Putin: Middle East conflict makes supply chain security top priority

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has elevated supply chain security to a determining factor in global transportation. Speaking via video link at the 1st International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin noted that the war between the US, Israel, and Iran has fundamentally altered how countries and companies assess their transport options.

Security overtakes cost and speed

“Events in Iran directly impact the transportation of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz. More and more countries and companies are considering not only the cost and speed of transportation, but decisive factors are becoming security,” Putin said. He emphasized that the sustainability of transport routes and the ability of logistics chains to withstand military conflicts, crises, and external risks are now coming to the forefront.

Global forum addresses new realities

The inaugural International Transport and Logistics Forum opened earlier Wednesday in St. Petersburg, bringing together 73 high-level participants from 50 countries and 13 international organizations. Approximately 50 events are scheduled, with discussions focused on the development of the transport industry across Russia and Eurasia. The gathering reflects growing international attention to the vulnerabilities exposed by the Middle East crisis and the search for more resilient supply routes.