Russia is considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE for a potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin, due to travel restrictions on Putin. Both leaders have expressed willingness to discuss key issues like the Ukraine war and energy relations, amid some internal resistance in Russia regarding the meeting’s feasibility given the US’s close ties with these nations.
Russia is actively considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential locations for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. This decision is influenced by the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Putin, which limits his travel to certain countries, including Brazil and South Africa.
Trump has expressed a desire to rapidly conclude the conflict in Ukraine and has indicated his willingness to engage with Putin. In a previous statement, Putin congratulated Trump on his electoral victory and affirmed his readiness for discussions on several issues, including Ukraine and energy matters. Despite Russian officials denying any formal discussions with the US, there are reports of high-ranking Russian visits to both potential venues recently.
Nevertheless, there remains resistance within Russia concerning the meeting, as some diplomats and intelligence personnel are wary of the strong military and security relations between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the United States. Trump has previously praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a “fantastic guy” and relied on Saudi Arabia during his presidency for support.
Putin has fostered a robust relationship with Mohammed bin Salman since 2015, contributing to the cooperation in oil export agreements through OPEC+. Both leaders have maintained a neutral stance during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, neither aligning with Western sanctions nor openly criticizing Russia.
Additionally, contacts between both Saudi and Emirati leadership with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have persisted. Notably, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan from the UAE has visited Russia multiple times amidst the war, reinforcing the country’s commitment to peace negotiations. Russia has excluded Türkiye as a venue owing to past failed peace talks.
The dynamics between these nations highlight the complexities of international diplomacy, especially relating to energy politics and geopolitical alliances.
This article discusses the complexities surrounding a potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin, taking place in either Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Given the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant, Putin’s travel options are limited. The rapport between Trump and the leaders of the Arab States has evolved over the years, significantly influenced by energy policies and geopolitical factors, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The standing positions of both Arab nations regarding the Ukraine war add another layer of relevance to the potential meeting.
In summary, the prospects of a Trump-Putin meeting in Saudi Arabia or the UAE illustrate significant geopolitical strategies and alliances at play among the world’s leading oil producers. While both regions maintain neutrality towards the conflict in Ukraine, their historical ties with Trump and ongoing relations with Putin may pave the way for meaningful discussions. Nevertheless, internal dissent within Russia regarding the meeting reveals the intricate balance of international relations involved.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
