Saudi Arabia and the UAE are potential venues for a summit between Trump and Putin, as both leaders express readiness to discuss Ukraine and energy. Despite skepticism among Russian officials and geopolitical complexities, recent diplomatic visits indicate ongoing efforts for engagement.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are being considered as potential venues for a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Russian sources. Both leaders have expressed openness to discuss the war in Ukraine and energy issues. While there has been no direct US-Russia communication regarding preparatory talks, recent senior Russian visits to these Middle Eastern nations indicate active discussions about the summit.
Some Russian officials remain skeptical about hosting the summit in Saudi Arabia or the UAE due to their close military ties with the US. However, Trump and Putin have established friendly relationships with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Trump’s remarks about scheduled meetings suggest that diplomatic efforts are advancing, receiving confirmation from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Since 2015, Putin and MbS have cultivated a strong personal rapport, contributing to the maintenance of the OPEC+ energy pact. In the context of the Ukraine war, both the Crown Prince and Mohammed bin Zayed have taken a neutral stance, avoiding condemnation of Russia while remaining engaged with Ukrainian leadership. The UAE has played a mediating role in prisoner exchanges and expressed a willingness to support peace efforts in Ukraine.
Despite the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Putin, which impacts his travels, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain viable due to their non-membership in the Court. Turkiye, which once hosted discussions between Russia and Ukraine, is currently considered an unlikely venue for a future summit. The ongoing diplomatic maneuvers signify a strategic balancing act within the dynamics of global oil politics and international relations.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine war have prompted discussions about high-level diplomatic engagements between the US and Russia. Trump has indicated a desire to resolve the conflict swiftly while fostering relationships with Middle Eastern leaders, especially those from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who hold significant influence in global oil markets. Understanding the delicate balance of these relationships is crucial in the context of the summit discussions and international diplomacy.
In summary, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are emerging as potential locations for a Trump-Putin summit, driven by their established ties with both leaders amid the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. While skepticism remains among Russian officials regarding these venues due to US relationships, the advancing diplomatic dialogue indicates ongoing efforts toward a possible resolution. Neutrality in the ongoing war further positions these nations as pivotal players in facilitating discussions between the competing powers.
Original Source: www.dawn.com