Moscow has suggested Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a Trump-Putin summit, with both leaders eager to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. Despite some skepticism in Russia due to the close U.S. ties of these nations, Trump and Putin share cordial relations with their leaders. The neutrality of the Gulf states provides a unique opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
Moscow has identified Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential locations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders have expressed their readiness to meet, with Trump indicating a desire to conclude the conflict in Ukraine swiftly. Despite Russian officials denying any ongoing negotiations with the U.S. about preliminary phone calls, recent visits by senior Russian officials to the Gulf states suggest discussions may be underway.
There remains a degree of skepticism regarding the summit in Russia, as some diplomats and intelligence officials express concerns over the close military ties between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States. Nevertheless, both Trump and Putin have established amicable relations with the leaders of these nations. Trump has emphasized ongoing discussions involving both Ukraine and Russia, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged planned contacts between the parties.
American officials have long viewed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia as an essential ally, with Trump describing him as “a fantastic guy”. Putin reciprocates this sentiment, having visited the Gulf nations in 2023 and expressing appreciation to MbS for facilitating a significant prisoner swap. Their relationship has also benefitted the OPEC+ energy agreement crucial to both nations.
Both leaders have maintained a neutral stance regarding the Ukraine crisis, avoiding Western criticism and sanctions directed at Russia. Meanwhile, they have kept lines of communication open with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Notably, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visits to Russia during the war reflect a commitment to pursuing peace, as he has articulated his readiness to assist in achieving such an outcome.
As neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE are subject to the International Criminal Court’s warrant for Putin’s arrest, these nations could provide a neutral ground for the proposed summit. The Russian sources currently dismiss Turkey as a viable meeting venue, following its previous role as a mediator in failed talks between Russia and Ukraine in March 2022.
The potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin signifies significant geopolitical maneuvering in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The choice of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as venues highlights their strategic relationships with both the United States and Russia. Amidst a backdrop of rising tensions and military alliances, the Gulf states maintain a unique position, advocating for peace while upholding vital energy agreements through OPEC+ membership.
In summary, the potential summit between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia or the UAE reflects a critical diplomatic effort amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Both leaders’ established relations with Gulf monarchs could facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Moreover, the neutrality of these states regarding the war emphasizes their importance in fostering dialogue between the two superpowers.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
