Being one of the key suppliers of conventional weapons to the Middle East, Russia is facing the same set of political challenges in the region that the other arms exporters are struggling with. On top of that, there is also the specific historical background that limits Russian opportunities in the Middle Eastern defense markets. The objectives Russia is currently facing include maintaining its presence in the region through continued cooperation with Syria and Algeria, winning a bigger share of the Iraqi market, maintaining ties with Iran, and strengthening its positions in Afghanistan. There are opportunities for increasing trade with Jordan, Egypt and Yemen by using subsidized loans, offset contracts and other financing options. The issue is analyzed by Natalia Kalinina, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Group on unconventional threats to security of the Center for International Security Studies at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations.