Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.

Bishop Iyakov belongs to the inner circle of high prelates who support Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine. He has previously traveled across the Russian Arctic with top military figures.

Leaders will hold talks on the war in Ukraine and spiralling conflict in the Middle East as they gather at a major global summit in Canada.