"The Consequences For Putin Will Be Dire."

• 26.03.2026, 16:23

The Russian budget is in danger of collapse.

Putin is trying to become an indispensable mediator in negotiations with the US and Iran in order to restore his influence on the world stage and get preferential treatment from Trump. If the US lifts sanctions on Iranian oil, Russian oil will fall to $30 a barrel.

Economic observer Vyacheslav Shiryaev explained to "24 Kanal" that even if Putin invests something through mediation, he will not be able to record it as profit.

- Putin is communicating with Iranian leaders at Trump's request. Lukashenko also has ties to Iran. The Iranian leadership is not ready to communicate directly with the U.S., so it needs mediators," Shiryaev explained.

- The Iranian plane received permission from the Israeli security services to fly to Pakistan for consultations, as any plane taking off from Iranian airfields without such permission will be immediately destroyed. This is further confirmation that negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are being conducted through different mediators.

When Trump talks about negotiations, what he really means is the work of mediators who are trying to harmonize the positions of both sides. If there is an agreement on Iran's nuclear program, Trump is likely to lift sanctions on Iranian oil, which would collapse the price of Russian crude.

- This would lead to a collapse of the Russian budget. Putin has no good option - he's trying to sell what can't be sold. Even if he bargains something through mediation, he won't be able to record it as profit, because Ukraine stands firm and Trump will never force it to give up Donbass," Shiryaev said.

-Europeans who supported Trump in the Persian Gulf received guarantees from the United States to maintain European security, which creates a complex and multi-layered model of interaction. Regardless of who mediates this peace deal, it will not end well for the Russian system, according to the expert.