Russia Sees Boost in Oil Exports Amid Iran-U.S. Conflict

Russian athletes also return to Paralympics after ban

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Despite disruptions in global energy markets, the war between Israel and the U.S. against Iran has been a boon for Russia, whose oil exports have suddenly risen. Additionally, Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games under their own flags for the first time since 2014.

Why it matters

The increase in Russian oil exports and oil prices will allow the Kremlin to continue financing its military operations in Ukraine. The return of Russian athletes to the Paralympics also represents a shift in policy by the International Paralympic Committee, which had previously banned them due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The details

Russia's presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has seen a "significant increase in demand" for its energy resources due to the war in Iran. Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee has reversed its policy, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games under their own flags. On the first day of competition, Russian athletes Alexey Bugayev and Varvara Voronchikhina won bronze medals in the standing downhill event.

  • On Saturday, March 6, 2026, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil reached $93, a level not seen since 2023.
  • On Friday, March 6, 2026, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov made comments about the increase in demand for Russian energy resources.

The players

Dmitry Peskov

The Russian presidential press secretary.

Alexey Bugayev

A Russian Paralympic alpine skier who won bronze in the standing downhill event at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.

Varvara Voronchikhina

A Russian Paralympic alpine skier who won bronze in the standing downhill event at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games.

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What they’re saying

“We are seeing an increase in demand, a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources, energy resources, due to the war in Iran. Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of both oil and gas, both pipeline gas and liquefied gas.”

— Dmitry Peskov, Russian presidential press secretary (news-pravda.com)

“I won this medal for my country, for Russia. I'm happy to represent my country.”

— Alexey Bugayev (news-pravda.com)

The takeaway

The war in Iran has provided an unexpected boost to Russia's oil exports and revenues, allowing the Kremlin to continue financing its military operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the return of Russian athletes to the Paralympics represents a shift in policy, though the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a source of tension.