Saudi Arabia will host U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah amid skepticism about its neutrality. Questions arise regarding the Crown Prince’s relationship with Russia and the implications for Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts. Despite potential benefits for Ukraine, concerns linger about the influence of Trump and tensions with Russia.
The upcoming talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between the United States and Ukraine are intended to reduce tensions following a recent meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and conduct discussions with U.S. officials. However, questions arise regarding the neutrality of Saudi Arabia as the host, particularly compared to a European venue.
Saudi Arabia serves as a favorable location for the Trump administration, as demonstrated during Trump’s initial foreign visit in his first term. The kingdom aspires to be a significant diplomatic player despite its troubling human rights history. Trump’s agenda includes normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which he identifies as crucial for a broader peace arrangement following the Abraham Accords with the UAE and Bahrain.
Concerns about Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s relationship with Moscow and Vladimir Putin are also evident, particularly as they have cultivated a friendship since their first meeting in 2015. Analysts highlight that the prince has played a pivotal role in prisoner exchanges between the U.S. and Russia, suggesting a growing dependency on these diplomatic ties.
The collaboration between Moscow and Riyadh has increased, with Saudi Arabia being unwilling to criticize Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While the kingdom supported UN resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression, it also maintained its diplomatic ties, avoiding isolation of Russia. Such actions raise questions about Saudi Arabia’s true objectives in facilitating peace discussions.
Despite previous failed negotiations, Saudi Arabia has hosted several peace conferences, including a summit for over 40 nations, leading skeptics to argue it is an attempt to bolster its international standing. Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, has established connections that may facilitate trust for these talks.
Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House posits that neutrality in negotiation settings is often a myth; trust is fostered through the involvement of mediators with vested interests in the outcomes. Ukraine’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia reflects such a strategic relationship, hinting at a pragmatic interest in fostering stability.
Ultimately, the prevailing concern remains the extent to which Trump’s influence could sway U.S. policy towards Russia, underscoring that while the venue may change, the risks for Ukraine persist.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s role as host for the U.S.-Ukraine talks raises questions about the country’s neutrality in light of its historical ties with both the Trump administration and Russia. While the location may facilitate dialogue, deeper issues regarding trust and ulterior motives continue to challenge the diplomatic landscape. The outcomes of these discussions will reveal the complexities of international relations within the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
