Moscow Considers Saudi Arabia, UAE for Potential Putin-Trump Talks

Moscow is contemplating Saudi Arabia and the UAE as sites for possible talks between Presidents Putin and Trump. Recent diplomatic engagements raise concerns among Russian officials regarding the venues’ ties to the U.S. Meanwhile, discussions between Trump’s team and Russian authorities about the Ukraine conflict are reportedly taking place.

Moscow is exploring the possibility of conducting future discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. This information was reported by Reuters, citing anonymous sources who are acquainted with the situation. Both leaders have recently shown interest in meeting to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which Trump has previously suggested he could resolve swiftly upon taking office.

Recent visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE by senior Russian officials indicate potential interest in these countries as meeting venues. However, concerns have arisen among certain Russian diplomats and intelligence personnel about possible opposition to such arrangements due to the close relationships those nations maintain with U.S. military and intelligence agencies.

Trump asserted that discussions are underway involving members of his team and Russian officials regarding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that such contacts are “apparently planned.” Although Saudi Arabia and the UAE have refrained from imposing Western sanctions or openly condemning Russia, they continue to uphold diplomatic relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Both nations are not affiliated with the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin in 2023 for alleged war crimes. Notably, Putin had visited both countries within the year. In contrast, Russia has excluded NATO member Turkey from consideration as a prospective venue, citing Turkey’s involvement in unsuccessful peace negotiations that took place in Istanbul in March 2022.

The article discusses the potential for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions regarding the war in Ukraine. The possible venues, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are examined concerning their relationships with both Russia and the United States. Additionally, the article highlights the complexities of negotiating such a meeting, considering the diplomatic ties these nations have maintained despite the current conflict.

In summary, Moscow is considering Saudi Arabia and the UAE for potential peace talks between President Putin and President Trump, despite internal Russian opposition and the diplomatic nuances involved. As both leaders express interest in resolving the situation in Ukraine, the future of such discussions remains uncertain due to the geopolitical climate and international relations.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com