Saudi Arabia will host U.S. and Ukrainian talks amid questions of neutrality. Concerns arise regarding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ties to Russia and the implications of Trump’s influence. While personal connections may foster dialogue, the broader geopolitical complexities challenge the potential for effective negotiations.
Saudi Arabia is set to host discussions between the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah, following a problematic meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. This choice of location might seem neutral; however, inquiries arise about the genuine impartiality of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in these discussions, particularly when European capitals could have served as alternative venues.
The choice of Saudi Arabia as a host can be interpreted as beneficial for the Trump administration, given Trump’s history of favoring the country. Notably, Trump’s first international visit during his initial term was to Saudi Arabia. The country seeks to solidify its position as a prominent diplomatic player despite its controversial human rights record.
Trump’s aspirations also include normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, considering it integral to establishing peace in the region post-Abraham Accords. The perceived closeness between Trump’s administration and Saudi Arabia raises concerns, especially regarding Crown Prince Mohammed’s relations with Moscow and President Vladimir Putin.
Over recent years, the crown prince’s relationship with Putin has intensified following key diplomatic exchanges. This growing bond may have implications for Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic stance concerning Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, as noted in an analysis of Saudi policy.
Despite voting for United Nations resolutions against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia has refrained from fully isolating Russia diplomatically. Its significant oil production cuts alongside Russia in 2022, despite appeals from the Biden administration, illustrate the complex balance they maintain in foreign relations while simultaneously catering to their economic interests.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia orchestrated a Ukraine peace discussion that notably excluded Ukraine, echoing the kingdom’s attempts to navigate between international stakeholders. However, it also previously hosted a peace summit with over 40 nations about the conflict, leading to skepticism regarding its true motivations.
Ukrainian defense minister Rustem Umerov’s personal connections with Saudi Arabia have created a channel for dialogue, fostering a degree of trust for the negotiations in Jeddah. Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House argues that neutrality in negotiations often hinges on relationships with both parties, contending that Ukraine’s investment in relations with the Global South reflects its broader strategy.
Overall, while Saudi Arabia’s hosting of these talks could facilitate dialogue, concerns persist regarding its genuine motives and the risk posed by Trump’s influence on U.S. foreign policy towards Russia.
In conclusion, while Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between the U.S. and Ukraine may present an opportunity for dialogue, the underlying complexities of the kingdom’s foreign relationships—particularly with Russia—raise legitimate questions regarding its neutrality. The personal ties between Ukraine’s defense minister and Saudi officials may provide some level of trust, yet the overarching political dynamics complicate these negotiations significantly. The balance of interests will ultimately determine the effectiveness of such talks in fostering lasting peace.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
