The forthcoming US-Russia summit in Riyadh aims to tackle key geopolitical issues, extending beyond Ukraine to include Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Middle East peace. President Trump seeks strategic gains, while concerns rise over the exclusion of the EU and Canada in negotiations. Ensuring robust pressure on Russia is crucial for achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
The impending US-Russia summit in Riyadh is poised to address multiple significant geopolitical issues beyond the Ukrainian crisis. Alongside discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the summit will also delve into the future of the Middle East peace process, particularly following the decline of the Assad regime in Syria. Key topics will also include economic interactions, security matters, and the influence of China in the Gulf region.
A noteworthy element of this summit is the absence of major stakeholders directly impacted by the Ukraine conflict, such as the European Union and Canada. For US President Donald Trump, this summit offers a strategic opportunity to achieve significant gains without sharing these outcomes with other nations he perceives as minor players. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has now been drawn into the negotiations Trump aims to leverage.
Trump’s overarching strategy appears to encapsulate a wide array of negotiations, from controlling a portion of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals to potentially reshaping regional influences in favor of Russia while sidelining China. He also expresses interest in collaborating with Putin to revitalize the Arctic shipping route, which Trump believes holds tremendous logistical advantages. Such moves, however, raise alarm among European countries and Ukraine about potential agreements reached without their involvement.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has repeatedly claimed he could resolve the conflict within a day. Not long ago, Keith Kellogg, a former national security advisor, proposed a peace plan suggesting the halt of US military aid contingent upon Ukraine’s engagement in negotiations with Russia. However, Russian officials dismissed these ideas, indicating negligible interest in compromising.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seems unconcerned with negotiating terms that would diminish Russian power, as he believes imminent victory in the conflict is assured. Russia’s demands—such as Ukraine’s permanent neutrality and the recognition of its claimed territories—are unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies. Additionally, countries in the Indo-Pacific region fear that any concession granting Russia victory could embolden Chinese actions toward Taiwan.
While Trump has expressed a desire to secure an agreement with Putin, it must be based on substantial concessions rather than a temporary ceasefire. To reach an agreement that incorporates genuine compromises, the US administration must encourage Russia to approach negotiations under stringent conditions. Doing so necessitates exerting significantly deeper pressure on Moscow.
Trump is poised to implement a strategy akin to his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran during his first term. This strategy successfully diminished Iran’s financial capabilities, thereby impacting its military and nuclear advancements. By mirroring this strategy towards Russia, the aim would be to compel Moscow to enter negotiations, facilitating economic repercussions for Russia’s allies, including China and Iran.
Despite such measures, the expectation that economic pressure will effectively constrain Russia is dubious. Unlike Iran, Russia has not only sustained its economy but has adapted to challenges posed by Western sanctions, positioned itself advantageously within economic alliances, and managed to preserve strong oil revenues. Its military capabilities further complicate the landscape, rooted in resources and strategic partnerships.
Given Russia’s resilience amid sanctions, additional economic pressures alone are unlikely to produce substantial results. Instead, Trump’s negotiation acumen may be critical in constructing an agreement that permits Russia to salvage some level of control over occupied territories while establishing Ukraine as a neutral state, aligning with strategic interests.
For a sustainable resolution, Trump’s administration must advance a long-term strategy that prevents Russia from dictating the terms of peace, emphasizing the importance of thwarting a Russian triumph, which carries significant strategic implications for the US. Ultimately, achieving peace in Ukraine would send a strong signal of US resolve to its adversaries and allies alike, revitalizing its standing on the world stage.
The upcoming US-Russia summit in Riyadh is set to address vital geopolitical issues, including the Ukrainian crisis, Iran’s nuclear program, and the future of the Middle East. Trump’s negotiation strategies could shape the outcome, yet concerns remain about a potential agreement impacting Ukraine’s sovereignty and European stability. Rigorous pressure on Russia is essential for the US to secure a beneficial resolution that upholds global leadership and international order.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
