Moscow Considers Saudi Arabia and UAE for Putin-Trump Summit

Moscow is considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a summit between Putin and Trump to discuss the Ukraine war. Despite resistance from some Russian officials due to these countries’ ties to the U.S., talks are reportedly in progress. The choice of venue reflects ongoing geopolitical complexities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow is evaluating Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential locations for an upcoming summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, as reported by Reuters. The two leaders have recently indicated their desire to convene and discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which Trump has suggested he could resolve swiftly upon his return to office.

Notably, Russian officials have recently visited both Saudi Arabia and the UAE; however, there exists resistance from certain Russian diplomats and intelligence personnel regarding these countries as summit venues due to their affiliations with U.S. military and intelligence operations. Trump mentioned that negotiations with Russian officials regarding the Ukraine situation are already underway, a sentiment echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who acknowledged planned contact between the two nations.

While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have abstained from joining Western sanctions or publicly denouncing Russia’s military actions, they continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Additionally, both nations are not members of the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin in 2023 concerning alleged war crimes.

Moscow has dismissed Turkey, a NATO member, as a potential venue due to its involvement in previous unsuccessful peace negotiations held in Istanbul in March 2022. This decision underscores the complexities involved in selecting an appropriate location for high-level discussions in light of the geopolitical landscape.

The consideration of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as venues for a potential summit between Putin and Trump is a significant development in international diplomacy. Both countries have maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, allowing them to act as potential mediators. In contrast, Turkey’s involvement in prior peace talks has rendered it an unsuitable location for future discussions, emphasizing the sensitivity of venue selection in diplomatic engagements. Additionally, the context of Russia’s designation of some independent media organizations as ‘undesirable’ hints at the broader challenges faced by journalists in Russia, impacting how information is disseminated and perceived.

In summary, Moscow is contemplating Saudi Arabia and the UAE for future talks with the U.S. regarding the Ukraine conflict. While both nations have not aligned formally with Western opposition to Russia’s actions, they remain engaged diplomatically with Ukraine. The selection of a summit venue highlights the complex dynamics of international relations and Russia’s current geopolitical positioning.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com