In Moscow on February 3rd, according to two Russian sources familiar with the matter, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are being considered by Russia as potential locations for a summit between the U.S. President and Russian President, as reported by Reuters.
President Trump has expressed his intention to terminate the situation as soon as possible and has shown readiness to meet with President Putin. The two leaders have exchanged congratulations with Putin expressing willingness to discuss Ukraine and energy matters with Trump.
While Russian officials have denied direct communication with the U.S. regarding preparations for a phone call between Trump and Putin, recent visits by senior Russian officials to Saudi Arabia and the UAE have fueled speculation. Some Russian diplomats and intelligence officials have reservations due to the strong military and security ties between these countries and the United States.
Despite seeking comments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, no response was provided, and the Kremlin refrained from commenting. Nevertheless, both Trump and Putin have forged amicable relationships with the leaders of these countries.
Trump mentioned scheduled meetings with various parties, including Ukraine and Russia, with the Kremlin acknowledging these planned discussions. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Putin, who have cultivated a close relationship enabling cooperation on international issues, acknowledged gratitude for assistance in a significant prisoner swap.
Both Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have maintained neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and have stayed in contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The UAE has actively mediated prisoner exchanges and expressed support for peaceful resolutions in Ukraine.
Notably, neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE are members of the International Criminal Court, which has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, restricting his travel to certain countries.
Russian sources have excluded Turkey, a NATO member, as a potential summit location due to past failed peace talks. Fyodor Lukyanov, a respected analyst, suggested that Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while close U.S. allies, could serve as viable negotiation venues, considering the Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict.