Kremlin Explores Saudi Arabia, UAE for Putin-Trump Summit

Moscow evaluates Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for talks between President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump about resolving the Ukraine conflict. While both leaders show eagerness to meet, Russian diplomats express concern over the strong ties these nations have with the U.S. military. Discussions are underway, yet the geopolitical landscape remains complex.

The Kremlin is exploring the possibility of hosting a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This consideration follows recent statements from both leaders indicating a desire to discuss the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Trump, despite being out of office, suggested that his administration had already begun talks with Russian officials regarding the war’s conclusion.

High-ranking Russian officials have recently visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE to assess these potential locations. However, there is apprehension among some Russian diplomats regarding the choice of venue due to the strong ties these countries maintain with U.S. military and intelligence. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions about future contacts were being organized, indicating a level of preparedness for a meeting.

Importantly, neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE has imposed Western sanctions against Russia nor criticized its invasion of Ukraine. However, these nations have sustained diplomatic relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, navigating a complex diplomatic environment. In addition, it must be noted that an arrest warrant for President Putin has been issued by the International Criminal Court, although neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE are ICC members.

While contemplating these venues, Russia has unequivocally dismissed Turkey as an option due to its involvement in previous peace negotiations that proved unsuccessful. President Putin’s interactions with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have continued to occur since the war’s escalation, showcasing ongoing diplomatic outreach despite the challenges imposed by international reactions to the conflict.

The article discusses the prospects of a proposed summit between President Putin and former President Trump, highlighting the geopolitical implications and diplomatic maneuvers involved. It underscores the context of the Ukraine war and the ongoing communication between the U.S. and Russia. The mention of external influences, such as the relationships of Saudi Arabia and the UAE with the West, reflects the broader international diplomatic landscape that influences Russia’s strategic decisions.

In conclusion, the Kremlin is actively considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE for a potential summit with the U.S., showing a high-level interest in restarting dialogues on the Ukraine conflict. While diplomatic tensions persist, these meetings could signal a shift in international relations if successfully established. The complexity of these negotiations highlights the ongoing efforts by Russia to engage with influential partners in the Middle East amid significant global scrutiny.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com