Saudi Arabia is hosting talks between the U.S. and Ukraine in Jeddah, following contentious prior meetings. The neutrality of Saudi Arabia is questioned due to its ties with Trump and Russia. While Ukraine engages based on personal connections, concerns remain regarding the implications of this partnership amid broader geopolitical tensions.

Saudi Arabia is set to host discussions involving the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah, a move that follows a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. This location is viewed as a means to ease tensions and promote a more calm dialogue. President Zelenskyy has announced his pending visit to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and engage in negotiations with U.S. officials.

The primary concern, however, lies in assessing Saudi Arabia’s impartiality. Critics question why the discussions are occurring in Saudi Arabia rather than a European capital, given the country’s complex diplomatic ties. Saudi Arabia has a history of being a favorable venue for the Trump administration, which is underscored by Trump’s initial foreign visit resided in the kingdom during his presidency despite the country’s significant human rights violations, including the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Furthermore, Trump’s efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel signify his interest in a broader regional peace agreement, stemming from the Abraham accords involving Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. As Trump’s ties with Saudi Arabia have evolved, concerns remain regarding Crown Prince Mohammed’s affinity towards Moscow and the implications this has for U.S.-Russia relations.

Crown Prince Mohammed has increasingly aligned himself with Russian interests, underscored by his role in facilitating prisoner exchanges involving Russia. This relationship gained traction after his successful visit to Russia in 2015, and subsequent reciprocation by Putin in 2023. Analysts have pointed out Saudi Arabia’s reluctance to criticize Russia’s actions in Ukraine, noting that the kingdom continues to see Russia as an essential player in OPEC+, balancing its foreign policy objectives.

Despite its supportive votes in UN resolutions condemning Russia’s infractions, Saudi Arabia has strategically avoided irritating Russian interests, thereby maintaining its ties. In October 2022, Saudi Arabia led a significant oil production cut contrary to U.S. requests, further straining relations with the Biden administration amid the Ukraine crisis.

In the backdrop of these complex dynamics, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of prior peace dialogues raises skepticism about its motives, with some analysts arguing that such actions aim to enhance its international standing. Notably, the personal connections of Ukraine’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, with Saudi officials provide a sense of trust, despite the larger geopolitical risks at play, particularly with Trump’s unpredictable influence on U.S. foreign policy.

Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House emphasizes the necessity for mediators with vested interests in both parties, highlighting Ukraine’s strategic outreach to the Middle East as a potential counterweight in its global diplomacy. She noted that Saudi Arabia’s investment in Ukrainian agriculture illustrates its pragmatic interests in the region. Ultimately, while Saudi Arabia’s venue for discussions may signify cooperation, the overriding concern remains the unpredictability associated with Trump and his influence in the Middle East context.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating U.S.-Ukraine talks raises important questions about its neutrality and strategic interests. While the proposed meeting reflects an attempt to mediate tensions, the kingdom’s historical ties with Trump and proximity to Russia complicate perceptions of impartiality. Ukrainian officials, while leveraging personal connections, must navigate the broader implications of their engagement with Saudi Arabia amidst the geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning potential shifts in U.S. support linked to Trump’s influence.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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