Saudi Arabia has hosted a high-level meeting between the United States and Russia, intensifying discussions on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. With this initiative, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key mediator in global conflicts. Analysts believe this move will also strengthen its role in discussions about the future of war-torn Gaza.
According to a CNN report on Tuesday (February 18), Saudi Arabia is not just the host but also playing a mediating role in the meeting. The Saudi delegation is being led by the country’s National Security Advisor. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that the meeting venue is suitable for both the U.S. and Russia.
For 39-year-old Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, organizing this meeting is a significant achievement. He aims to transform the oil-rich nation from its past fundamentalist Islamic identity into a global power.
Saudi analyst Ali Shihabi commented, “I don’t think there’s another place where both Trump and Putin have such strong personal ties.”
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has maintained neutrality in global conflicts and realigned its policies. As part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil. This includes withdrawing from the Yemen war, improving relations with Iran, maintaining close ties with China and Russia, and sustaining good relations with Western countries.
Mohammed bin Salman enjoys close ties with both former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, Trump chose Saudi Arabia for his first international visit. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has invested $2 billion in a company owned by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and announced plans to build a Trump Tower in the kingdom.
President Putin also maintains strong ties with the Crown Prince. Despite the ongoing Ukraine war, Saudi Arabia has coordinated oil production with Russia. In 2023, Putin visited Saudi Arabia and invited the kingdom to join the BRICS alliance.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic strategy has been largely successful, according to analysts. Recently, the Crown Prince played a crucial role in securing the release of American academic Mark Fogel from Russian custody. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have mediated several prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, although Ukrainian representatives participated in Tuesday’s meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia separately for further discussions with Saudi officials.