"If that elevated oil prices stands to benefit and increase revenue for Russia... if the conflict remains prolonged, that does stand to benefit Russia. So that there is the key question." The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is creating a sustained risk premium in energy markets, with threats to major shipping choke points like the Strait of Hormuz. As long as the conflict remains prolonged, oil prices will remain elevated. This macro environment directly benefits crude oil tracking instruments, even as it inadvertently aids the Russian budget. LONG oil as a geopolitical hedge against prolonged Middle Eastern conflict and supply chain disruptions. The Middle East conflict resolves faster than expected, or global macroeconomic weakness (such as a recession in the US or China) destroys baseline oil demand, causing prices to drop despite geopolitical tensions.