Russia Considers Saudi Arabia and UAE for Trump-Putin Meeting

Russia is contemplating Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a Trump-Putin meeting, with senior officials discussing logistics. Concerns persist due to the military ties these countries maintain with the U.S. Both countries have kept a neutral stance on the Ukraine war and are not ICC members, complicating potential hosting. Türkiye is not considered a viable option at this stage.

Russia is exploring the possibility of hosting a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Senior Russian officials have made recent visits to these countries to assess the feasibility, although concerns persist regarding the proximity of Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s military ties to the United States.

Both Trump and Putin have cultivated amicable relationships with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE have remained neutral amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and have not imposed sanctions against Russia. Additionally, these leaders retain consistent communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Another important consideration is that neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for President Putin due to alleged abductions of Ukrainian children from occupied areas. This factor may influence the decision-making process regarding the meeting’s location.

Russian sources have indicated they do not view Türkiye as a viable option for hosting the Trump-Putin meeting at this time, narrowing their focus primarily to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The discussions concerning a possible meeting between the leaders of the United States and Russia come at a time of complicated international relations, particularly relating to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The choice of venue is significant, as it may reflect geopolitical strategies. Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s neutral stance amidst Western sanctions on Russia places them in a unique position to act as potential mediators, while their relationship with the U.S. adds another layer to the dynamics involved. Furthermore, the ICC’s involvement regarding President Putin may limit options as countries consider hosting.

In conclusion, Russia’s consideration of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as potential venues for a Trump-Putin meeting highlights the complex web of diplomatic relations in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The neutrality of these nations and their absence from the ICC play crucial roles in this deliberation. However, pre-existing military ties between these Gulf states and the U.S., alongside Russia’s concerns, imply that the path to hosting this summit remains intricate and uncertain.

Original Source: euromaidanpress.com