Russia considers Saudi Arabia and UAE as potential venues for a Trump-Putin summit, aimed at discussing the war in Ukraine and energy issues. Despite some opposition within Russia regarding the closeness of these nations with the U.S., both leaders share amicable relations with their rulers, potentially paving the way for productive dialogue.
Moscow has identified Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential venues for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to two Russian sources familiar with ongoing discussions. Trump expressed his intent to end the conflict in Ukraine promptly and has signaled his willingness to meet Putin. Following Trump’s election, Putin congratulated him and indicated readiness to engage on issues concerning Ukraine and energy resources.
Despite Russian officials denying any direct discussions regarding preparations for a phone call between the two leaders, high-ranking Russian diplomats have recently visited both countries. One source noted that there is a faction in Russia expressing hesitancy about the proposal, primarily due to the close military and security ties that Saudi Arabia and the UAE maintain with the United States.
However, both leaders have established cordial relationships with the rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Trump stated that his administration has planned various discussions including with Ukraine and Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that it appears contacts are indeed in the pipeline.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was the first foreign leader Trump reached out to after taking office, praising him as “a fantastic guy” in a speech at the World Economic Forum. Putin acknowledged his appreciation for Mohammed bin Salman’s assistance in orchestrating a significant U.S.-Russian prisoner exchange during his visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The rapport between Putin and MbS has contributed to the stability of the OPEC+ energy agreement, important for both countries. Trump had previously urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce oil prices, which may serve as a bargaining lever for Russia.
Both leaderships in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have adopted a neutral stance regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, choosing not to support the West in imposing sanctions against Russia. They have, nonetheless, maintained consistent communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Notably, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has visited Russia several times amid the war, expressing his intent to aid in peace negotiations in Ukraine.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have the advantage of not being signatories to the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, thus facilitating his potential visits. Current sources from Russia consider Turkiye, a NATO member and once a host for peace discussions, to be unsuitable as a venue for the summit.
The geopolitical dynamics involving the U.S., Russia, and the Middle East are intricate, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Trump’s administration has made attempts to reposition international relations and resolve the Ukraine war. Russia’s engagement with oil-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both major players in global energy markets, indicates a strategic inclination towards fostering ties with these nations, particularly in a time of potential negotiation.
In summary, the discussions of a summit between President Trump and President Putin underscore the importance of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in international diplomacy. Both nations have cultivated strong ties with these leaders while maintaining neutrality during the Ukraine war. This suggests that they may serve as mediators or hosts for future negotiations aimed at resolving complex geopolitical issues involving major world powers.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
