Putin-Trump meeting could take place in Saudi Arabia or UAE
Russia considering Saudi Arabia and UAE for Putin-Trump meeting
February 4, World - Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being considered as possible venues for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported, citing sources.
According to sources, senior Russian officials have visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent weeks. The two countries where the meeting is likely to take place are not members of the International Criminal Court, meaning they are not obligated to comply with the demands of the arrest warrant for Putin.
However, according to sources, there is still some resistance to the idea in Russia, as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have close military and security ties with the United States.
Russian officials have also ruled out NATO member Turkey as a possible meeting place. Turkey hosted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in March 2022, but they were unsuccessful.
Trump and Putin relations
Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have close ties. Trump was the first foreign leader to call him after taking office. Putin also visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2023, thanking the Saudi leadership for their help in the prisoner swap between the United States and Russia.
The two countries have maintained a neutral stance on the Ukrainian conflict and have not joined in sanctions against Russia. The UAE has acted as a mediator in the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine and has also maintained regular dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump and possible talks with Russia
In January, Trump called on Saudi Arabia and OPEC countries to lower oil prices, which he believes could help bring a quicker end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
On February 3, Trump told reporters that the US administration plans to hold talks with Ukraine, Russia, and "various parties," but did not disclose any details.
The Kremlin declined to comment on the matter, and the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE also did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
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