Putin makes rare foreign trip to Gulf states. Anticipated conversation subjects revolved around the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, along with discussions on oil production, featuring the President of the UAE.
- UAE hosting COP28 UN climate summit.
- Putin, mostly in Russia due to ICC warrant, meeting Iran’s leader in Moscow.
- ICC accused Putin of illegally deporting Ukrainian children, unrecognized by UAE and Saudi Arabia.
- Putin skipped recent summits to counter Western isolation attempts.
- UAE welcomed Putin with pomp; discussions with UAE President focused on unprecedented relations, trade, and oil.
- UAE highlighted as Russia’s main economic partner in the Arab world.
- Putin also visited Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Meeting:-
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the UAE as “Russia’s primary trading partner in the Arab world” during his visit to the Middle East, marking his first trip to the region since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Putin, meeting President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, lauded the strong cooperation between their nations, emphasizing the deepening ties amidst his tour aiming to strengthen relationships with Gulf states amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.
Scheduled next on his itinerary is a visit to Riyadh, where he’ll meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), underscoring Moscow’s intent to solidify its close connections with Gulf nations.
This trip stands as a rare international visit for Putin since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Notably, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have not ratified the ICC’s Rome Statute, exempting them from obligations to arrest the Russian president.
Putin’s travel has been curtailed due to the ICC’s warrant. His absence was observed at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August, given South Africa’s adherence to the Rome Statute.
Maintaining positive ties with the Gulf states, Putin has found support from these nations, which have chosen to remain neutral amid Western pressures urging them to align with sanctions against Russia
.Saudi Arabia Role :-
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) played a significant role in brokering a deal last September, facilitating the release of around 300 individuals, including foreign nationals and commanders linked to the defense of Mariupol in Ukraine.
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE were instrumental in a previous agreement involving the exchange of US basketball star Brittney Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout at Abu Dhabi airport.
Ahead of Putin’s recent Middle East visit, CNN reported a new US proposal for a prisoner swap, aiming to secure the release of two Americans—ex-Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on this proposal.
Despite continuous efforts by the Biden administration to bring back Whelan and Gershkovich, both recognized as wrongfully detained by the State Department, there hasn’t been successful repatriation.
In this news, Saudi Arabia’s role was highlighted in brokering the release of individuals connected to the defense of Mariupol in Ukrain
conclusion:-
In a series of diplomatic maneuvers, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman facilitated the release of individuals tied to the defense of Mariupol in Ukraine. Meanwhile, amidst a new US proposal for a prisoner swap, efforts continue to secure the return of American detainees, highlighting ongoing Putin makes rare foreign trip to Gulf states complexities in the region.
Read also: ICC: International Criminal Court
