Saudi Arabia and the UAE may host a summit between Trump and Putin, addressing the war in Ukraine and energy discussions. Both leaders have established favorable relations with Gulf monarchs, who remain neutral in the Ukraine conflict. Russian sources confirm that talks are planned, but internal skepticism exists due to military ties with the U.S. The absence of ICC membership allows for potential summit discussions despite the arrest warrant for Putin.
According to two Russian sources familiar with ongoing discussions, 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. Trump has expressed his desire to conclude the war in Ukraine swiftly and is open to meeting with Putin, who has congratulated Trump on his election and also expressed readiness for discussions on Ukraine and energy matters.
Despite Russian officials denying any direct communications with the U.S. regarding the arrangements for a phone call between Trump and Putin, senior Russian diplomats have visited both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent weeks. Some skepticism remains within Russia regarding these potential talks due to the close military ties that both Gulf nations share with the United States.
Nevertheless, Trump and Putin have cultivated amicable relations with the leaders of these countries. It has been reported that Trump has scheduled “meetings and talks with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that such contacts seem to be on the agenda.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia was the first international leader Trump reached out to after taking office, praising him as “a fantastic guy.” Putin has expressed gratitude towards MbS for facilitating a significant U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, further solidifying their relationship, which took shape after the Crown Prince’s inaugural visit to Russia in 2015.
This partnership has enabled the two major oil exporters to maintain their OPEC+ agreement. Trump has also urged Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, which could serve as leverage for Russia in forthcoming negotiations. Both Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have exhibited neutrality regarding the Ukraine conflict, avoiding Western criticism and sanctions against Russia.
Moreover, both leaders have maintained communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. President Mohammed bin Zayed has visited Russia multiple times and reiterated his commitment to peace efforts in Ukraine, showcasing the UAE’s role in mediating exchanges.
Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE are members of the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, restricting his travel to certain countries. As of now, Russian sources have sidelined Turkey, a member of NATO that previously hosted fruitless peace discussions in March 2022, as a possible venue for the summit.
The article discusses the potential for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the interest of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as possible host nations. The context includes Trump’s expressed intent to swiftly resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the emerging relationship between Putin and Gulf leaders, which has implications for regional and international diplomacy. The involvement of Gulf nations showcases their strategic importance amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning energy dynamics and international relations with Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, the article outlines how the Gulf states have maintained neutrality in the Ukraine war while still engaging with both U.S. and Russian leaders, emphasizing their roles as mediators in the conflict. The relationship between these leaders is further complicated by the legal implications surrounding Putin, stemming from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
In summary, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are being considered as potential venues for a summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. This development follows ongoing discussions about peace in Ukraine, with both leaders expressing openness to dialogue. Their respective relationships with Gulf monarchs, who have maintained neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, play a crucial role in facilitating these diplomatic efforts. The situation underscores the strategic and geopolitical complexities of the current international landscape.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
