Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Saudi Arabia for being “sincere” and “acceptable” as a venue for potential Ukraine peace talks. During a press conference in Moscow, he stated that any negotiations depend on Ukraine lifting its ban on dealing with Russia.
Saudi Arabia’s Sincere Efforts for Peace
Putin expressed openness to participating in a peace conference hosted by Saudi Arabia. However, he emphasized that the substance of the discussions matters more than the location itself. He said, “If such measures are organized in Saudi Arabia and the venue is acceptable, that would be acceptable to us.”
The Russian leader stressed that talks should be based on prior negotiations. He referred specifically to the draft agreement reached in Istanbul in 2022, which he claims Ukraine later backed away from. “We are ready to continue a dialogue to attain peace, but building on a document prepared for detailed discussions for many months,” he explained.
Saudi Arabia’s Balanced Stance
Saudi Arabia has maintained a balanced approach, condemning Russia’s actions while fostering strong relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Putin acknowledged the Kingdom’s efforts to engage both sides in dialogue. He stated, “Like no other, Russia is interested in continuing this as soon as possible by peaceful means.”
Putin praised Russia’s relations with Saudi Arabia, mentioning his friendly connections with the King and Crown Prince. He recognized the Kingdom’s role as an invaluable intermediary, highlighting its sincere efforts in peace initiatives.
Upcoming BRICS Summit
The 16th annual BRICS summit will take place in Kazan, Russia, next week. This year, the summit will include new members, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia, which joined the bloc last year, will be represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Addressing Middle East Conflicts
Putin indicated that the Israel-Palestine crisis would be discussed during the summit. He reaffirmed the Kremlin’s support for implementing a two-state solution, stressing the importance of historical and spiritual dimensions of the conflict.
Putin emphasized the need for Palestinians to have the right to return, reiterating Russia’s longstanding position on creating a fully-fledged State of Palestine. He criticized the disbanding of the Middle East Quartet, noting its past effectiveness in mediating between Israelis and Palestinians.
Open to Global Cooperation
During the briefing, Putin announced that 30 other countries expressed interest in collaborating with BRICS nations. He affirmed that BRICS is “not an anti-Western alliance, just a non-Western alliance,” echoing sentiments from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
