Russia Considers Saudi Arabia and UAE for Trump-Putin Meeting

Russia is considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE for a Trump-Putin meeting. Both nations maintain neutral stances regarding the Ukraine war and are not part of the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin. Concerns exist regarding their military ties with the U.S., complicating the proposal.

Russia is reportedly considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as possible locations for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to sources cited by Reuters. Despite this interest, concerns persist regarding the diplomatic implications due to the close military relationships these nations share with the United States.

Russian officials have recently conducted visits to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to evaluate this prospect. Notably, both Trump and Putin enjoy amicable relations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who have refrained from criticizing Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. These leaders maintain open lines of communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well.

Another important consideration is that neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE is a member of the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for President Putin pertaining to the kidnapping of Ukrainian children from annexed areas. In contrast, Russia is not contemplating Türkiye as a suitable meeting venue at this time.

The potential for a Trump-Putin meeting in Riyadh or Abu Dhabi is heavily influenced by the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the war in Ukraine. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have successfully maintained a neutral stance, avoiding participation in Western sanctions against Russia while fostering relationships with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership. This neutrality, coupled with their non-membership in the International Criminal Court, positions these nations as favorable hosts for diplomatic engagement.

In summary, Russia is exploring Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a high-stakes meeting between President Trump and President Putin, amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainties. The amicable ties shared between these nations and both leaders, alongside the avoidance of international repercussions, may facilitate this engagement. Nevertheless, concerns over military affiliations with the U.S. remain a significant consideration.

Original Source: euromaidanpress.com