Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump could meet soon, for the first time since Trump’s inauguration, with Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as possible venues.
Senior Russian officials recently visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Reuters reported, citing Russian sources familiar with the discussions. These visits are believed to be connected to the preparations for a potential meeting between the two leaders.
Despite the ongoing discussions, there is some opposition within Russia regarding the proposed locations. Certain diplomats and intelligence officials are said to be concerned about the close military and security ties between the US, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE has commented on the matter, while the Kremlin has also remained silent. However, both the White House and the Kremlin have fostered strong relationships with the rulers of the Middle Eastern nations.
Trump recently stated that his administration has "meetings and talks scheduled with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia." When asked about these remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that such contacts were "apparently planned."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been a key figure in Trump’s international relations. He was the first foreign leader Trump called after assuming office, and Trump has previously praised him, calling him a "fantastic guy" during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Putin also maintained a productive relationship with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During his visit to both countries in 2023, he expressed gratitude to Mohammed bin Salman for his role in facilitating a major US-Russian prisoner swap – the largest since the Cold War.
As part of his campaign promises, Trump has pledged to end the ongoing war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office, though he has yet to reveal a specific plan. Throughout his campaign, he has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s financial and military aid to Ukraine, questioning its necessity for US interests.
Russia has shown openness to engaging with the Trump administration, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump’s skepticism about NATO and its role in the conflict could shape future US strategies toward peace negotiations.
Some analysts believe that Trump administration may advocate for a ceasefire or a settlement that acknowledges certain Russian territorial claims, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas region.
Despite growing calls for peace talks, Russia remains firm on its stance. The Kremlin continues to stress its deep strategic and cultural connections to Ukraine’s eastern regions. While Putin has stated that he is open to negotiations, he insists that Kyiv and Western nations must demonstrate a sincere commitment to peace. Peskov clarified that Russia is not softening its terms but is open to discussions under specific conditions.
Currently, Russia controls Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, along with significant parts of Donbas and other territories seized during the ongoing war.