Saudi Arabia and the UAE are considered as possible venues for a summit between President Trump and President Putin, as both leaders express interest in discussing key global issues, especially concerning Ukraine. Despite resistance within Russia regarding the close U.S. ties of these nations, analysts suggest the Gulf states could facilitate negotiations amidst the complicated international context.
Russian sources have indicated that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are being considered as potential locations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows Trump’s declaration of intent to end the war in Ukraine and his openness to meeting with Putin to discuss various issues, including Ukraine and energy.
While Russian officials have denied any direct communications with the U.S. regarding plans for this summit, there have been several visits by senior Russian officials to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The sources have stated that some resistance exists among certain Russian diplomats and intelligence officials due to the close military ties that both Gulf nations maintain with the United States.
Requests for comments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE went unanswered, and the Kremlin also declined to provide commentary. Nonetheless, both leaders have established amicable relationships with the monarchs of these Gulf states. Trump recently mentioned that there are meetings planned involving various parties concerning the situation in Ukraine and Russia.
Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was Trump’s initial phone call after his inauguration, whom Trump has praised in previous remarks. Putin’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlight their growing relations, with Putin expressing gratitude towards Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating significant exchange negotiations.
The partnership between Putin and MbS has proven crucial in maintaining the OPEC+ energy agreement amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have remained neutral throughout the Ukraine conflict, consistently maintaining communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and expressing a willingness to support peace efforts.
Russian analysts have noted the awkwardness of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential negotiation venues, given their alliance with the United States. Fyodor Lukyanov emphasized that amidst the West’s active involvement in Ukraine, traditional negotiation sites such as Helsinki or Geneva are no longer viable options. Nonetheless, he remarked that both Gulf nations could serve as conceivable venues for the leaders to discuss mutual concerns.
The current discourse surrounding a potential Trump-Putin summit is underscored by recent developments in U.S.-Russia relations, especially regarding the conflict in Ukraine. As both leaders seek to reaffirm their global standing, the selection of a neutral but strategically aligned venue becomes essential. Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerge as options due to their diplomatic roles and strategic interests in maintaining regional stability and fostering ties with major powers such as the U.S. and Russia.
In summary, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE appear to be viable venues for a potential summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, this possibility is complicated by the existing geopolitical landscape. Traditional meeting sites are deemed unsuitable due to heightened tensions, yet the relationships established between these leaders and Gulf monarchs may provide a conducive environment for dialogue. Continued neutrality from the Gulf nations could aid in fostering constructive discussions regarding pivotal global issues.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
