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Russia talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amidst Ukraine tensions.Examines Saudi arabia's role, Russia's demands, and the potential for future peace negotiations.">
Russia talks, Ukraine conflict, Saudi Arabia diplomacy, Putin, Zelenskyy, sanctions, energy, peace negotiations">

Unraveling Geopolitical maneuvers: Inside the Riyadh Summit Between the US and Russia Amidst Global Tensions

In a world where alliances are volatile and tensions loom large, the Riyadh summit between the United States and Russia marks a pivotal moment in geopolitics. How did this seemingly neutral location emerge as a critical venue for high-stakes diplomacy?

Saudi Arabia‘s Calculated Power Play

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hosted a meaningful meeting between high-level representatives from the United States and Russia on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The talks occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Russian delegation included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov. The U.S. was represented by Secretary of state Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Saudi arabia,the meeting’s facilitator,was represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and national security advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al Aiban.

The Kremlin described Riyadh as a “generally suitable” location for such a meeting, a testament to the growing international influence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This 39-year-old leader is actively reshaping Saudi arabia’s image, moving away from its past association with fundamentalist Islam and aiming to cultivate soft power through strategic diplomacy and economic diversification. Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi highlighted this ambition,stating,“I don’t think there is any other place where the leader has a good personal relationship with Trump and Putin,” adding that the event was “prestigious and increasing saudi and global software.”

This meeting aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic shift toward neutrality in global conflicts, a strategy aimed at attracting considerable foreign investment to support its aspiring “Vision 2030” plan.This includes de-escalation in Yemen,improved relations with regional rivals like Iran,and cultivating strong ties with both China and Russia while maintaining its relationship with the West.

The Trump-Putin Connection: A Foundation for Mediation?

Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a global peace broker is evident in its hosting of various peace conferences and aid donor meetings. In August 2023, it convened a two-day peace summit on Ukraine involving representatives from over 40 countries, notably excluding Russia. In February of the same year, Saudi Arabia pledged $400 million (Rp 6.5 trillion) in aid to Ukraine.

Prince bin Salman’s role as a mediator is rooted in his close relationships with both former U.S. President Donald trump and Russian President Vladimir putin.Trump, who visited Saudi Arabia on his first international trip as president in 2017, supported the Crown Prince even amidst international criticism following the murder of jamal Khashoggi. This close business relationship continued even after Trump left office. Similarly, putin, who visited Saudi Arabia in 2023, maintained a strong relationship with the Crown Prince, even inviting Riyadh to join BRICS. Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, emphasized the value of Saudi arabia’s relationships in an increasingly polarized world, noting, “The protective value of Saudi Arabia relations in the world which is increasingly polarized has been proven to be useful. Prince bin Salman played an crucial role in the liberation of American teacher Mark Fogel from Russian detention last week,”

The Gaza Issue: A Complex Regional Factor

Saudi arabia’s mediation efforts may extend to addressing the complex situation in Gaza, notably considering Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate the Gazan population. This idea was swiftly rejected by Arab nations, leading to a planned summit in Saudi Arabia later that week to formulate a response to Trump’s proposal. Hasan Alhasan, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in bahrain, noted, “By facilitating the goals stated by President Trump to end the Ukraine war, Saudi Arabia is in a good position to gather good intentions in Washington,” highlighting the potential leverage Saudi Arabia holds.

However, balancing regional interests with the demands of transactional American presidents presents a challenge for Prince bin salman. While he can rely on his relationship with Trump in the coming years, navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations amidst rising tensions in the Middle East will require delicate diplomacy. A Saudi statement emphasized, “Achieving lasting and fair peace is not possible without the Palestinian people to obtain their legal rights in accordance with international resolution, as explained earlier to the previous US government and now,”

Russia’s Demands: Sanctions Relief and Energy

Russia leveraged the Riyadh talks to push for sanctions relief, with Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, leading Moscow’s economic negotiations. Dmitriev, a close associate of Putin, held separate discussions in Riyadh, stating in a brief interview, “US oil companies have done it very well in Russia,” adding, “we believe that, at one time, they will return. Why will they miss the opportunities given by Russia to access their natural resources?”

Putin’s Willingness to Meet zelenskyy: Conditions and Caveats

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced President Putin’s willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “if necessary,” but expressed reservations about Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. Peskov stated, “putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary, but the legal basis of the agreement needs to be discussed given the fact that Zelensky’s legitimacy can be questioned,” While acknowledging Ukraine’s right to pursue EU accession, Peskov drew a line at military alliances. He stated, “We talk about the integration and process of economic integration. And here, of course, no one can dictate anything to any country, and we will not do that.” Peskov also suggested that the Riyadh talks might shed light on the possibility of a Putin-Trump meeting, although no concrete understanding emerged.

Europe’s Support: A Joint Effort for Peace

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her commitment to working with the U.S. to end the conflict in Ukraine and secure a

The Riyadh Summit: A Pivotal Moment in Geopolitics

senior Editor (SE):

Welcome to our exclusive interview. A statement often referenced is that “in a world of shifting alliances, neutral grounds like Riyadh have become pivotal venues for high-stakes diplomacy.” Could you elaborate on the significance of this shift and its implications for global political dynamics?

Expert (E):

Absolutely. The Riyadh summit illustrates a strategic turning point in international relations, highlighting how neutral locations are increasingly pivotal for discussions that are or else cast in a shadow of global polarization. Riyadh, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin salman, offers a unique platform due to its strong relationships with key global players like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. This positioning allows Saudi Arabia to act as a mediator, creating opportunities for dialog amidst escalating tensions, such as those seen in the Ukraine conflict.

SE:

Given Saudi Arabia’s strategic pursuit of neutrality, especially with its aspiring “Vision 2030” plan, how does hosting such high-profile talks align with its broader geopolitical strategy?

E:

Saudi arabia’s hosting of the Riyadh summit aligns seamlessly with its vision for future economic diversification and diplomatic influence. By positioning itself as a neutral party and a facilitator in global conflicts, the Kingdom aims to attract foreign investments crucial for its diversification efforts. Moreover, this neutrality serves as an appealing trait for various global powers, enabling Saudi Arabia to achieve a balance of strong ties with both Western countries and emerging eastern partnerships, such as with China and Russia.

SE:

The article mentions Russia’s push for sanctions relief and energy negotiations during the talks. How pivotal is this demand in shaping the future of U.S.-Russia relations?

E:

Russia’s demand for sanctions relief reflects its need to re-integrate into the international economic arena,especially given the contry’s ample natural resources. By negotiating from a position where the U.S. has shown a willingness to engage economically through oil companies operating in Russia, Moscow sees potential leverage.Such negotiations, frequently enough led by influential figures like Kirill Dmitriev of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, underscore the importance of economic ties and incentivize a more collaborative dialogue between the nations.

SE:

Interestingly, President Putin indicated his willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under certain conditions. Could you provide insights into the complexities surrounding this potential meeting?

E:

President Putin’s conditional willingness to engage with President Zelenskyy underscores the intricate balancing act inherent in negotiations between major global powers. For Moscow, any potential meeting must first establish a legally sound framework given questions around Ukraine’s leadership’s legitimacy. This conditional stance highlights the broader geopolitical narrative where engagements are often entwined with legal, diplomatic, and strategic considerations that go beyond mere conflict resolution.

SE:

Europe’s involvement and support in the peace process, alongside the U.S., is also highlighted. How does this European commitment impact the overall trajectory of ending the conflict in Ukraine?

E:

Europe’s alignment with the U.S. on the path to peace in Ukraine represents a united front that strengthens diplomatic pressure on all parties involved. Spearheaded by leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, this transatlantic partnership emphasizes common values and shared objectives, possibly leading to substantial negotiations that reflect broader international consensus rather than unilateral interests.

SE:

What do you see as the primary path forward for these peace negotiations, considering the dynamics at play?

E:

Looking ahead, the primary path forward involves leveraging Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic mediating skills to bridge divides. Ensuring dialogue remains open and productive will require continued commitment from all parties involved. In particular, achieving lasting peace will necessitate tangible commitments not only to de-escalation efforts in Ukraine but also acknowledging and addressing the broader regional complexities that influence global stability.

Conclusion:

The Riyadh summit is a testament to the evolving landscape of global diplomacy. It underscores the potential for neutral grounds to serve as critical venues for peaceful negotiations, especially amidst heightened global tensions.As the world watches, it will be imperative for all involved parties to stay engaged, communicate openly, and commit to pragmatic solutions that address the underlying causes of conflict. This summit could very well set the stage for future diplomatic breakthroughs.

We hope this interview provides you with deep insights into the ongoing geopolitical maneuvers and invites further discussion. Feel free to share your thoughts, and join the conversation below.