Saudi Arabia and the UAE are potential locations for a summit between Trump and Putin, aimed at discussing the Ukraine conflict and energy issues. Despite Russia’s denial of formal talks, recent visits by officials to these nations suggest ongoing diplomacy. Both Gulf states maintain neutrality in the Ukraine war, complicating their ties with the U.S. and Russia.
According to sources in Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are being considered as potential locations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has expressed a desire to end the Ukraine conflict and is open to meeting with Putin, who has also indicated readiness to discuss urgent issues like Ukraine and energy.
Despite reports of discussions, Russian officials have denied any formal preparations for a Trump-Putin phone call or meeting. However, recent visits by senior Russian officials to Saudi Arabia and the UAE hint at continued diplomatic efforts. Some Russian diplomats remain cautious due to the strong military ties these nations have with the U.S.
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE did not provide comments regarding the potential summit, and the Kremlin also refrained from commenting. Both leaders, Trump and Putin, have developed friendly relations with the rulers of these Gulf states, which may play a role in facilitating their discussions.
In recent remarks, Trump mentioned that his administration is conducting talks with various stakeholders, including Ukraine and Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that such contacts were indeed planned. The relationship between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is notably close, promising potential collaboration.
Putin’s appreciation for Mohammed bin Salman was underscored by a previous successful diplomatic effort they undertook together. Their alliance has positively impacted the OPEC+ energy deal, which is significant for both nations’ economies amid fluctuating global oil prices.
Notably, both Arab leaders have maintained a neutral position regarding the Ukraine conflict, avoiding alignment with Western sanctions against Russia. They continue to engage with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, forming a complex web of relations amidst the conflict.
At present, Turkey, which hosted earlier talks, is perceived as an unsuitable venue for future negotiations. Fyodor Lukyanov, a prominent Russian analyst, emphasized that with the West largely backing Ukraine, traditional negotiation sites are unfeasible. He acknowledged Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s pivotal roles, despite their strong ties with the U.S.
The potential summit between Trump and Putin suggests a renewed interest in dialogue to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are significant players in global oil markets and have maintained neutrality in the Ukraine crisis, positioning them as interesting contenders for hosting high-stakes diplomatic meetings. The geopolitical landscape is complex, with major powers having divergent interests in the region, influencing how these interactions unfold. Moreover, both Gulf nations have previously engaged in diplomacy concerning Russia, adding layers of strategy to their involvement in these discussions.
In summary, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as possible venues for a Trump-Putin summit, despite concerns from some Russian officials regarding their associations with the U.S. Both leaders have built relationships with Gulf rulers, which could facilitate discussions related to the Ukraine conflict. While the political landscape remains tense, the ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect a desire for resolution and strategic cooperation among these key players.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
