Senior officials from the United States and Russia are gearing up for a potentially historic summit in Saudi Arabia, aiming to lay the groundwork for a crucial leaders’ meeting by the end of the month. The focus of the summit will be on discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with hopes of reaching a resolution to end the war.
The Details Unfold
As preparations for the summit unfold, the specifics of the meeting and the list of attendees are still being ironed out. However, sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the group is expected to include national security advisers from both nations. The objective is to finalize a date for the summit before the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan in March.
Interestingly, most European nations have not been formally informed about the summit, as revealed by an official who chose to remain anonymous. Additionally, while representatives from Ukraine are anticipated to participate, there seems to be a lack of comprehensive communication with Ukrainian officials regarding the preparations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the negotiation process during his address at the Munich Security Conference. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept deals made behind our backs without our involvement,” underscoring the significance of involving all relevant parties in the discussions. Zelenskiy’s office has yet to provide a response regarding the upcoming meeting.
A Glimpse into the Summit
In a recent development, President Donald Trump hinted at a potential summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. The two leaders exchanged invitations during a 90-minute phone call, marking their first contact since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, both the White House’s National Security Council and the Kremlin spokesperson have refrained from commenting on the summit. Saudi authorities have extended invitations to representatives from the US, Russia, and Ukraine for the gathering in Riyadh, which is expected to be spearheaded by Saudi National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban.
Al-Aiban, known for his diplomatic acumen and close ties to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has a track record of leading negotiations on critical international matters. His involvement in talks with Iran, Washington, and discussions on defense cooperation with Israel underscores his role as a key mediator in the upcoming summit.
The Negotiating Dynamics
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia are anticipated to be led by US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff. However, questions arise regarding the role of special representative Keith Kellogg in the discussions.
On the Russian front, Putin is assembling a formidable team with extensive experience in high-stakes negotiations. Notable figures include Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s chief Kremlin foreign-policy adviser, and Sergei Naryshkin, his top spymaster from their days in the Soviet KGB. Additionally, financier Kirill Dmitriev, with ties to the Russian president’s family, may serve as an unofficial back-channel in the negotiations.
As the level of engagement intensifies, particularly following US Vice President JD Vance’s impassioned speech at the Munich Security Council, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerges as a pivotal neutral ground for potential peace talks. With its strong diplomatic ties to the US, Russia, and Ukraine, Saudi Arabia offers a conducive environment for fostering diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution.
In Conclusion
The forthcoming Trump-Putin summit in Saudi Arabia holds immense significance as world leaders strive to address the complex challenges surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. With seasoned negotiators and high-level officials at the helm, the stage is set for a pivotal moment in international diplomacy. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.
