Moscow considers Saudi Arabia and the UAE as venues for a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump, following Trump’s comments on progressing discussions regarding Ukraine. Despite opposition from some Russian officials due to military ties with the U.S., Trump has expressed his belief in the need for a peace deal, suggesting upcoming communications between the leaders. This marks a renewed focus on diplomatic engagement amid ongoing conflict.

Moscow is reportedly considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as potential locations for a highly anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. This development follows Trump’s recent comments suggesting that discussions regarding the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine and Russia are making progress, although he did not provide detailed insights into these discussions.

In recent weeks, several senior Russian officials have allegedly traveled to both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. However, some Russian diplomats and intelligence officials are reportedly opposed to the idea of holding the meeting in these nations due to their close military and security ties with the U.S. Despite this opposition, Russian officials have denied any direct engagements with the U.S. in relation to preparations for a forthcoming phone call between Putin and Trump, which is expected to precede the scheduled in-person meeting.

Trump has expressed his belief that Putin is harming Russia by not pursuing a peace deal regarding Ukraine, stating that the country would benefit from ending the ongoing conflict. The U.S. national security adviser, Mike Waltz, indicated that the anticipated telephone conversation between the two leaders would take place “in the coming days and weeks.” On January 24, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin is inclined towards engaging in discussions with President Trump.

Moscow has previously dismissed significant elements of a peace proposal that was apparently proposed by Trump’s team, which among other stipulations, suggested freezing front lines and postponing Ukraine’s NATO membership by two decades while also recommending the deployment of European peacekeepers. Although President Trump has remained vague about the specifics of his strategy to conclude the war, his team has suggested a commitment to preserving Ukraine’s independence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also indicated that both Kyiv and Moscow may need to make concessions to reach a viable peace agreement.

The potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the U.S.-Russia relationship, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Since Trump’s election campaign, he has sought to facilitate a quick resolution to hostilities, reflecting a divergence in approach from previous U.S. administrations. The interest in Saudi Arabia and the UAE as meeting venues underscores the influence of these nations in mediating international tensions, though internal opposition within Russia complicates the prospects for a smooth dialogue.

In summary, Moscow is contemplating Saudi Arabia and the UAE for a potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin as both nations navigate the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite some internal resistance within Russia regarding the proposed venues due to their ties with the U.S., Trump’s willingness to engage has reopened the possibility for dialogue. Ultimately, any path to peace may require substantial concessions from both involved parties alongside international mediation efforts.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com

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