Saudi Arabia and the UAE are considered possible venues for a Trump-Putin summit, despite Russian opposition due to these countries’ ties with the U.S. Recent Russian visits to these nations suggest ongoing discussions. Both leaders are maintaining neutral relations amid the Ukraine conflict, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Potential venues for a summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may include Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to two anonymous Russian sources. Despite Russian officials denying direct U.S. contacts about a phone call that would precede the meeting, it is reported that senior Russian diplomats have recently visited these Gulf nations. Opposition in Russia towards the idea persists, as officials reference the close U.S. military ties with these countries.
Trump confirmed plans for “meetings and talks scheduled with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that contacts were “apparently planned.” Trump has maintained a positive regard for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), while Putin has expressed gratitude for MbS’s role in facilitating high-profile prisoner exchanges.
The relationship between Putin and MbS, dating back to 2015, has allowed effective cooperation on oil production through the OPEC+ agreement. Both leaders have chosen a neutral stance during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, not participating in sanctions against Russia while keeping communications open with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.
Considerations for alternative venues have led Russian analysts, like Fyodor Lukyanov, to dismiss Turkey as an option due to its NATO membership and prior peace talks that did not succeed. Lukyanov posits that traditional meeting locations in Europe are impractical given the current geopolitical landscape. He acknowledges Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s importance, yet points out their close alliance with the U.S., raising potential concerns on the Russian side about their neutrality as negotiation settings.
The potential for a Trump-Putin summit reflects ongoing efforts for dialogue amid the strained U.S.-Russia relations. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have become pivotal players in international diplomacy given their strategic alliances with both the U.S. and Russia. Their neutral postures on the Ukraine conflict allow them to act as intermediaries, although their close ties with the U.S. complicate perceptions within Russia about the trustworthiness of these venues. This geopolitical context underscores the complexities in coordinating high-level diplomatic meetings.
In conclusion, the prospects of a Trump-Putin summit in Saudi Arabia or the UAE are influenced by geopolitical considerations and the relationship dynamics between the nations involved. While both Gulf states maintain neutrality regarding the Ukraine conflict, questions remain about their role as neutral hosts due to deep ties with the U.S. The necessity for new diplomatic venues arises from the exclusion of traditional European locations as viable options, demonstrating the evolving landscape of international relations.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
