Torn Between Qatar, Saudi, Russia's in a Bind in Gulf Crisis

The deepening crisis triggered by Saudi-led efforts to isolate Qatar is putting Russia in a bind over relations it’s sought to cultivate with several countries in the region.

Russia, which urged talks to resolve the confrontation, is trying to maintain a delicate balance as it has close ties with Qatar and is cooperating with Saudi Arabia to stabilize oil markets and resolve the war in Syria, where it’s also working with Iran. The Qatar Investment Authority and Glencore Plc agreed to buy a 19.5 percent stake in Russia’s largest oil producer, state-owned Rosneft PJSC, for $11 billion in December.