How Saudi Arabia’s crown prince became a central player in US-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in the pursuit of a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, thanks to its significant political capital derived from its vast oil reserves. President Donald Trump has proposed Riyadh as a meeting place to kick off face-to-face talks between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Putin agreeing to the location.
The involvement of Saudi Arabia in mediating peace negotiations is seen as a strategic move by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to solidify his standing as a global leader. It also presents an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to outshine Qatar, which has been actively involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas and has assisted in the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the conflict.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been actively engaged in U.S. dealings in Eastern Europe and recently played a crucial role in securing the release of an American teacher detained in Russia. Trump has designated top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, to lead peace negotiations, with Prince Mohammed being credited for his instrumental role in mediating the release of the detained teacher.
Saudi Arabia’s position as the largest oil exporter in the world gives it significant leverage in setting global oil prices, which in turn impacts Russia’s revenue from oil and gas exports. Higher oil prices benefit the Kremlin, making it crucial for major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia to play a role in facilitating peace talks and potentially influencing Russia’s stance on the conflict.
Trump has been vocal about his desire to lower global oil prices to put pressure on Russia and potentially end the conflict in Ukraine. The Trump administration’s close relationship with Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in pursuing this strategy, with bin Salman pledging substantial investments in the U.S. over the coming years.
The common adversary of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine, Iran, has been a key supplier of weaponry to Russia, further solidifying the need for collaboration between the two nations in addressing regional security challenges. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi Arabia with attacks on critical infrastructure, mirroring Russia’s use of drone warfare in Ukraine.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, hosting talks and participating in negotiations to secure prisoner swaps. The kingdom’s role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine underscores its growing influence in global peace efforts and its commitment to regional stability.
As Saudi Arabia continues to leverage its political and economic power to support peace initiatives, its role in mediating the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is likely to shape the dynamics of international relations in the region. The kingdom’s strategic positioning and diplomatic efforts highlight its importance as a key player in resolving conflicts and promoting peace on the global stage.
