Putin-Trump summit in Saudi Arabia : A new chapter in diplomacy
By Jennifer Hicks
A highly anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is reportedly in the works, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the likely venue.
According to Bloomberg and Politico, discussions between the two leaders could take place before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on February 28.
This would mark the first direct, in-person dialogue between the US and Russian heads of state since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
On February 12, Putin and Trump engaged in a phone conversation, their first known direct communication in over two years.
Following the call, Trump told reporters that he and Putin would “probably” meet in Saudi Arabia. Though the details remain uncertain, both sides appear willing to explore diplomatic engagement in a neutral location.
Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to host the summit, adding another layer to Riyadh’s growing role as a global mediator.
The kingdom has been actively involved in diplomatic negotiations, including previous efforts to broker prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.
If the summit takes place, it could bolster Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a geopolitical facilitator while also reshaping US-Russian relations.
Trump’s involvement in US-Russia diplomacy raises significant questions, particularly given his status as the likely Republican candidate for the 2024 US presidential election. While he currently holds no official government position, his influence on foreign policy remains undeniable.
Some critics argue that Trump’s diplomatic efforts could undermine the Biden administration’s official stance on Russia and Ukraine, while supporters see it as an opportunity to de-escalate tensions.
Trump’s administration was marked by a controversial yet pragmatic approach to Russia, and he has long touted his ability to negotiate with Putin.
His willingness to engage with Moscow now, amid continued Western support for Ukraine, signals a potential shift in US strategy should he return to the White House.
One of the most striking elements of this potential summit is the reported absence of European and Ukrainian representatives.
Politico reports that no European NATO allies have been informed about the talks, and Bloomberg notes that while Ukrainian emissaries are “expected” to be present, they may not be fully informed about the preparations.
This exclusion has raised concerns, particularly in Kiev, where officials fear being sidelined in negotiations that directly impact Ukraine’s future.
Fox News reporter Nana Sajaia cited an unnamed Ukrainian official who claimed that Ukraine was “neither invited to, nor informed about” the coming US-Russia talks.
If true, this would further fuel fears that a Trump-led negotiation could prioritize a US-Russia resolution over Ukrainian interests.
According to Politico, Trump’s team will include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine-Russia talks, will reportedly not attend, suggesting that the focus of the meeting may extend beyond the Ukraine conflict to broader US-Russia relations and Middle East security.
The Biden administration has not publicly commented on the potential summit, but it is likely to be monitoring the situation closely. Trump’s independent diplomatic efforts could complicate Washington’s official stance on Russia, particularly as the Biden administration continues to provide military aid to Ukraine and maintain pressure on Moscow through sanctions.
For Putin, this summit presents a valuable opportunity to engage in dialogue with a key US political figure who could potentially return to the presidency. Russia has faced increasing international isolation due to its actions in Ukraine, and a meeting with Trump in a neutral location could provide Moscow with diplomatic leverage.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on February 13 that Russia and the US had agreed to meet in a third country, with official state visits likely to follow. However, he clarified that while Saudi Arabia was mentioned as a potential host, no final decision has been made. Given Riyadh’s past role in negotiations, it remains a strong contender.
Putin’s interest in the summit likely extends beyond Ukraine. Russia has been strengthening its relationships with non-Western countries, particularly China, Iran, and the Gulf states. A dialogue with Trump in Saudi Arabia could align with Moscow’s broader strategy of challenging Western dominance in global diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia’s willingness to host the summit underscores its growing geopolitical ambitions. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has sought to position itself as a key player in international affairs, balancing its relationships with the West, Russia, and China.
Hosting a meeting between Trump and Putin would further solidify Riyadh’s role as a mediator in global conflicts.
The kingdom has already played an active role in peace efforts, including attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. Given its strategic alliances with both Washington and Moscow, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to facilitate dialogue without appearing biased.
While the summit remains unconfirmed, its potential implications are significant. A successful meeting could pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, possibly influencing the trajectory of the Ukraine war. It could also signal a shift in US foreign policy should Trump return to power, with a stronger emphasis on direct negotiations rather than military aid and sanctions.
However, the risks are equally high. If Trump’s engagement with Putin is perceived as undermining current US policy, it could lead to political backlash at home.
Additionally, excluding Ukraine from the discussions could create further tensions, particularly if the negotiations lead to agreements that do not align with Kiev’s interests.
For now, the world watches as diplomatic efforts unfold. Whether the Putin-Trump summit materializes or not, its mere prospect reflects the fluid and unpredictable nature of global geopolitics.
