Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on a lightning tour to the Middle East, signaling Moscow’s efforts to strengthen its partnerships with Gulf nations amid growing isolation by the West. Putin’s visit began with a stop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he attended the United Nations COP28 climate talks. Upon arrival, he was greeted with a warm welcome, including a 21-gun salute and a flyby of UAE military jets in the colors of the Russian flag. The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan referred to Putin as his “dear friend,” highlighting the close relationship between the two countries.
During his visit to the UAE, Putin and Sheikh Mohammed discussed the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation to ensure stability and progress. The Russian leader acknowledged that the UAE is Russia’s main trading partner in the Arab world, emphasizing the significance of their relationship. This meeting was part of Russia’s broader strategy to assert a more influential role in the Middle East, with a focus on oil cooperation and the Israel-Hamas war.
The discussions between Putin and Sheikh Mohammed also touched on bilateral cooperation in the energy industry and advanced technologies, according to Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency. Following his visit to the UAE, Putin traveled to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. This face-to-face meeting, the first since October 2019, comes at a time when oil prices have fallen despite efforts by OPEC+ and Russia to reduce output.
Although it remains unclear what specific topics were raised regarding oil or geopolitics, Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the importance of maintaining relations with the world’s largest crude exporter. In the coming days, Putin is scheduled to host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit the UAE. These meetings further highlight Russia’s active engagement in the region and its efforts to counter Western attempts to isolate Moscow through sanctions related to the Ukraine war.
Putin’s trip to the Middle East is significant, considering his limited international travel since the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March. The ICC accused Putin of deporting Ukrainian children, but neither the UAE nor Saudi Arabia, as non-signatories of the ICC’s founding treaty, are obligated to arrest him if he enters their territories.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Putin has criticized the United States’ diplomacy and suggested that Russia could play a mediating role due to its friendly ties with both Israel and the Palestinians. This visit allows Putin to demonstrate Russia’s potential as a mediator and highlight the failure of US diplomatic efforts.
While Putin’s visit to the UAE may be seen as positive by some, it raises questions about how it will be perceived in Washington, considering the UAE’s close ties with the United States. The trip showcases Putin’s ability to maintain relationships with key players in the region, despite ongoing tensions with the West.
In conclusion, Putin’s lightning tour to the Middle East, including visits to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, highlights Russia’s efforts to bolster its partnerships with Gulf nations. These meetings address various aspects of cooperation, including energy, advanced technologies, and geopolitical dynamics. Putin’s visit also serves as a display of Russia’s resilience in the face of Western sanctions related to the Ukraine war.
