Kremlin: Putin Discussed 'Sensitive Issues' in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to strengthen Moscow's position as a powerful mediator in the Middle East. According to the Associated Press, while the war in Ukraine continues, Putin's plane landed in the UAE, which is hosting the UN climate change conference. This was Putin's first trip to the region since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the beginning of his talks with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, he suggested discussing cooperation in the energy sector, conflicts in the Middle East, and the 'Ukrainian crisis.' He praised the current state of relations between Russia and the UAE and congratulated the country for hosting the climate change conference. Since sending troops to invade Ukraine, Putin has limited his foreign trips, having traveled to China in October and several trips to former Soviet republics in recent months. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Foreign Minister, welcomed Putin with a smile as he descended the steps of the presidential plane. Four Sukhoi 35 fighter jets of the Russian Air Force escorted Putin's plane from Russia to Abu Dhabi's commercial airport, as Al Dhafra Air Base is a significant U.S. military hub in the region. Although the UAE is a U.S. ally, it also has close ties with Russia. The country welcomed Putin at the Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi with a 21-gun salute and the flight of Emirati military planes emitting smoke in the colors of the Russian flag. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sitting next to Putin, said, 'I am glad to see you again.' He later issued a statement saying they discussed 'the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation to ensure stability and progress.' The honor given to Putin in the UAE—relying on the U.S. as its main security partner—reflects the extensive trade relations the UAE has with Russia, which have expanded since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow. Russian commentators have said that the UAE is a key route for Russia to circumvent sanctions. The Russian President was also officially welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Putin stated that relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia 'have reached a level we have never seen before.' He announced that the exchange of information and assessments of what is happening in the region is very important. Mohammed bin Salman also stated that cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia has helped strengthen security in the Middle East and added, 'Our future political interaction and cooperation will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the global situation.' According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, after discussions with officials from both countries, Putin and Mohammed bin Salman also talked during dinner about the Israel-Hamas war and 'other sensitive issues on the international agenda.' The UAE and Saudi Arabia are key participants in international efforts to negotiate a resolution to the Israel-Hamas war. Putin has close personal ties with both rulers. Seeking to enhance Russia's image as a power broker in Middle Eastern conflicts, he views this regional trip as a challenge to Washington and a failure of U.S. diplomacy. He has suggested that Moscow, thanks to its friendly relations with both Israel and the Palestinians, could play a mediating role. Putin is expected to continue his regional diplomacy by hosting Ibrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the Kremlin on Thursday.