Saudi Arabia Emerges as a Potential Intermediary in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations
By Robert Stefanicki (Gazeta Wyborcza)
Amidst ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a potential facilitator in negotiations between Russia and the United States. According to sources cited by CNN, the oil-rich kingdom is now believed to be playing an active role in brokering a deal to end the war.
Diplomatic circles are abuzz with the possibility of a meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, next month. Should it materialize, this high-stakes summit would mark an unprecedented diplomatic event in the history of the Saudi monarchy.
Saudi Arabia’s willingness to host such a meeting underscores its evolving role in international affairs. Traditionally aligned with the United States, Riyadh has recently sought to diversify its diplomatic portfolio and establish itself as a regional power broker. The kingdom’s neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, including its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, has fostered a degree of trust with both Moscow and Washington.
This neutrality has been particularly noteworthy in light of the widespread support for Ukraine among Western nations. Saudi Arabia’s stance has raised eyebrows, considering its close ties to the United States, which has been a staunch ally in the fight against terrorism. However, Riyadh’s position is rooted in a complex web of geopolitical and economic interests.
Firstly, Saudi Arabia shares a long history with both Russia and Ukraine, dating back to the Soviet era. The kingdom has significant economic interests in both countries, particularly in the energy sector. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter, while Russia is the second largest. A disruption in the global energy market, caused by a prolonged conflict in Ukraine, would have severe consequences for Riyadh.
Secondly, Saudi Arabia is concerned about the potential spillover effects of the war into the broader Middle East region. The kingdom has been a staunch opponent of Iranian influence in the region, fearing that a weakened Russia could embolden Tehran. Moreover, a protracted conflict in Ukraine could further destabilize the global economy, which would have a negative impact on oil prices and Saudi Arabia’s revenues.
For its part, Russia has welcomed Saudi Arabia’s neutrality and indicated that it is open to engaging in negotiations in Riyadh. Moscow has long sought to expand its influence in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is seen as a key partner in this endeavor.
The United States, while initially skeptical of Saudi Arabia’s role, has now reportedly given its tacit approval to the kingdom’s mediation efforts. The Biden administration is eager to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, and it appears to believe that Saudi Arabia could play a constructive role in this process.
However, it remains to be seen whether Saudi Arabia has the diplomatic clout to broker a deal acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. The kingdom has been criticized for its dismal human rights record, and its neutrality in the conflict has raised concerns among Western allies.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s foray into international diplomacy is a significant development. It reflects the kingdom’s growing ambitions and its willingness to play a more active role in shaping global affairs. Whether Riyadh can successfully navigate the delicate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remains an open question. But its emergence as a potential intermediary underscores the fluid geopolitical landscape and the search for diplomatic solutions to the world’s most pressing crises.
