Moscow Considers Saudi Arabia and UAE for Possible Putin-Trump Summit

Russia is contemplating Saudi Arabia and the UAE as possible locations for future talks between President Putin and former President Trump, aimed at discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This comes amid varying diplomatic positions and concerns among Russian officials about hosting the summit in countries closely allied with U.S. interests.

Moscow is exploring the possibility of conducting future discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reports from Reuters indicate that both leaders are eager to meet to explore avenues for resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a situation that Trump previously asserted he could resolve upon taking office.

Senior Russian officials recently visited both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, although concerns exist among some Russian diplomats regarding these locations due to their close relationships with U.S. military and intelligence entities. Notably, Trump announced that his team is currently in negotiations with Russian officials about addressing the Ukraine war, a statement that has been partially corroborated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Despite Saudi Arabia and the UAE maintaining diplomatic relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and refraining from imposing sanctions on Russia, their reluctance to denounce the invasion has left them in a neutral position. Furthermore, both countries are not signatories of the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for President Putin in 2023, although he did visit them later in that year.

It is important to note that Russia has excluded NATO member Turkey as a viable option for hosting the summit, citing Turkey’s involvement in unsuccessful peace talks that took place in Istanbul in March 2022. This decision reflects Russia’s desire to seek favorable conditions for negotiations away from NATO influence.

Currently, relations between Russia and the West, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict, continue to be tenuous. Discussion of a summit between Putin and Trump highlights the persistent attempts for dialogue despite escalating tensions. Diplomats from both nations recognize the critical need for negotiations, even as differing geopolitical interests complicate the scenario. The selection of a neutral venue is pivotal for establishing a conducive environment for talks.

In conclusion, Moscow is considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump amid efforts to negotiate a resolution to the war in Ukraine. This potential summit underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts, while the selection of the venue reflects the complexities surrounding international relationships. With both leaders expressing interest, the outcome will significantly depend on the geopolitical landscape and neutral diplomatic environments.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com