Putin Warns of "COVID-Like" Economic Fallout from Iran War; Global Supply Chains Under Extreme Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday, March 26, 2026, that the potential impact of the conflict in the Middle East could mirror the catastrophic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking to business leaders in Moscow, Putin emphasized that the war is causing "severe damage" to international logistics, production lines, and global supply chains.

Putin noted that the crisis is placing immense strain on the oil, gas, metals, and fertilizer industries. He remarked that even the primary parties involved in the conflict seem unable to predict its trajectory, making it even harder for external nations like Russia to gauge the full extent of the damage. He reminded his audience that just as the pandemic slowed down growth across every continent, this war poses a similar systemic threat to global development.