They can certainly influence global affairs. They are a permanent member of the security counsel; That alone gives them more than regional influence. They are starting to play nice with Syria, ,Iran and have had a pretty good relationship with Venezuela for some time now. Strong relationship with China as well. I think the infrastructure of allies that they are starting to build up points to more than just a regional power. They are certainly not a super power (I’m not sure the U.S is really a super power anymore either), but they do have more influence on how the world works then you give them credit for I think.
If this continue to progress the way they are we may soon find that they have more sway over events in the middle east than the U.S does (after all, U.S warnings to Iran and Syria did little to change events there. The world is changing
“They can certainly influence global affairs.”
So can North Korea, I believe that is a fairly low standard. Building alliances with other pariah states illustrates the level they are operating on.
“They are a permanent member of the security counsel?
And their role their is again, usually supporting other rogue nations in actions that usually have little to no support on the SC. The most influence they have is usually their veto of reasonable actions taken by the SC. Again, a fairly low standard, though technically you are correct.
“They are starting to play nice with Syria, ,Iran...”
Starting to play nice? They are a key ally of these rogue nations and have long time relationships with them.
Selling ballistic missiles, nuclear technology, chemical weapons to nations in the Mideast who garner no respect from anybody isn’t a game changer. They’ve been doing this for decades.
Frankly, after the fall of the Soviet Union, it makes them look small, stooping to these unacceptable behaviors. And now with the annexation of parts of Ukraine, it makes them look like Iran, Syria etc., loosing influence, credibility and respect except with other rogue nations.
At least China, is attempting to play both side of the coin, participation with the rogues, but also wielding more real influence with its growing economic power. Russia meanders along with its paltry 2 Trillion economy, which shows only consistent growth in oil and the arms trade.
These actions show a growing weakness in influence and a certain desperation and frustration by Putin and Russia. The clamoring applause and opinion in the Russian population I liken to a basketball team that is down30 points and hits a half court shot at the half time buzzer. The roar is more desperation from the fans of Putin.