Russia and OPEC - convenience but no marriage Two years after they teamed up to take back control of oil markets, the alliance between Russia and OPEC continues to be effective. According to Rustam Tankayev, a Russian energy expert, it was "the efforts made by Russia after joining this alliance [OPEC+] that have made the number of member countries to grow and to regain the leading position in the world oil market." IMAGES of Rustam Tankayev at his office and SOUNDBITES of Rustam Tankayev