-
-
-
Loading
Loading
Russian President Vladimir Putin is embarking on a rare trip abroad to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. During his visit, he is expected to address a range of topics, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as oil production. The UAE is currently hosting the COP28 UN climate summit, but it remains uncertain if Putin will attend. Since March, Putin has remained largely within Russia due to an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court accuses him of illegally deporting Ukrainian children to Russia, a war crime. However, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia do not acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction. Notably, Putin has refused to participate in recent international summits such as Brics in South Africa and the G20 summit in India. This current trip signifies Russia's desire to exert influence and counter the Western efforts to isolate the country. In discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Putin emphasized the unprecedented level of relations between their nations. The UAE holds significant economic importance for Russia and is considered its primary economic partner in the Arab world. Following his visit to the UAE, Putin is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Together, they will explore ways to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Moreover, discussions will encompass conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan. On Thursday, Putin is set to meet with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to address the situation in Gaza. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has predominantly visited countries under Russian occupation, as well as Iran and China.