Kazan, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed Saudi Arabia as a potential venue for peace talks with Ukraine but emphasised that substantive negotiations would depend on Kyiv’s willingness to re-engage. This comes as the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, continues with no end in sight, despite multiple diplomatic efforts from countries like Turkey, China, and Brazil. Putin comments were made on October 18, 2024, at a press conference during the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow. The Russian leader noted that while Saudi Arabia would be an
“acceptable” and “comfortable” venue, peace talks would have to be built on the framework of negotiations that were previously held in Istanbul in 2022. Those talks, he claimed, had resulted in a draft agreement that Ukraine later abandoned. “We are ready to continue a dialogue to attain peace, but building on a document that was prepared for detailed discussions and was initiated by the Ukrainian side,” Putin stated. He reiterated that Ukraine, not Russia, had halted the peace process, citing a decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prohibiting further negotiations with Moscow. While Saudi Arabia has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations, the Kingdom has maintained balanced relations with both nations and has expressed a willingness to help broker peace. Putin praised Saudi Arabia’s “sincere” efforts in the mediation process and its strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine. He added that Russia valued the Kingdom’s role and would be open to participating in talks there. “We have good relations with both the King and friendly personal relations with the crown prince,” Putin said, signaling his confidence in Saudi Arabia’s potential as a neutral venue. “Whatever Saudi Arabia does on this track, it does sincerely,” he added. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the war remains deadlocked.
Ukraine has made several territorial gains through counter-offensives, but the conflict has increasingly impacted civilian infrastructure and led to rising casualties on both sides. International pressure for peace talks has grown, with countries like China, Brazil, and India calling for a resolution. However, Ukraine has remained firm in its stance against engaging with Russia under current conditions. Putin’s suggestion of Saudi Arabia as a venue for negotiations comes amid Riyadh’s increasing diplomatic activity. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently led the Saudi delegation at the first EU-GCC summit in Brussels and has been involved in efforts to mediate in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Putin also reiterated his support for the two-state solution regarding the Palestinian issue, inviting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate in next week’s BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. The suggestion of Saudi Arabia as a venue for Russia-Ukraine peace talks marks another chapter in the Kingdom’s growing global diplomatic presence. However, the success of any potential talks will hinge on Ukraine’s willingness to return to the negotiating table and the international community’s ability to foster a conducive environment for dialogue. For now, the war grinds on, with little indication of an imminent resolution.
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