Trump Proposes Saudi Arabia for Talks with Putin on Ukraine Conflict

Former President Trump announced possible talks with Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine war, indicating Saudi Arabia as a meeting venue. He cited the relationships with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a reason for this choice, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a mediator in the conflict. The involvement aligns with Prince Mohammed’s efforts to enhance his international status.

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump indicated potential discussions with Vladimir Putin regarding the resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, suggesting Saudi Arabia as a likely venue for these talks. He stated, “We expect that he’ll come here, and I’ll go there and we’re going to meet also probably in Saudi Arabia the first time,” highlighting the significance of this meeting location.

Trump noted the existing rapport between himself, Putin, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as influencing the choice of Saudi Arabia for such discussions. He remarked, “We know the crown prince, and I think it’d be a very good place to be,” suggesting Saudi Arabia could facilitate an effective dialogue.

The Kingdom has increasingly positioned itself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, alongside the United Arab Emirates. Crown Prince Mohammed’s involvement in these negotiations serves to enhance his stature as a global leader with cross-regional influence, particularly amidst challenges associated with the Yemen conflict.

In summary, former President Trump has expressed intentions to potentially engage with President Putin in discussions regarding the Ukraine war, with Saudi Arabia being proposed as the meeting location. This reflects the Kingdom’s growing role as a mediator in international conflicts, underscoring Prince Mohammed’s aspirations to bolster his global leadership stature despite ongoing domestic challenges.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com