MOSCOW (The Thursday Times) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled his willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, proposing Saudi Arabia as a suitable host for the discussions. However, any such negotiations hinge on Ukraine lifting its ban on dealing with Russia, Putin said during a press conference following the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow.
Responding to a question from Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, Putin affirmed that Saudi Arabia, due to its balanced diplomacy, would be an acceptable location for potential peace negotiations. He praised the Kingdom’s neutrality in the conflict, despite its condemnation of Russia’s offensive at the United Nations, and acknowledged its strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine. “If such measures are organised in Saudi Arabia, the venue is acceptable to us,” Putin said, adding that the focus of any talks should be based on previous negotiations, particularly the draft agreement reached in Istanbul in 2022.
Russia insists on prior agreements as negotiation foundation
Putin highlighted that Russia remains open to resuming discussions based on the earlier draft agreement, which was initialled by the Ukrainian side but later abandoned. He stressed that Ukraine’s decision to walk away from the Istanbul negotiations in 2022 was the reason for the breakdown in peace efforts. “We are ready to continue a dialogue to attain peace, but it must build on a document that was prepared for detailed discussions for many months and was initialled by the Ukrainian side,” Putin explained. He reaffirmed Russia’s interest in resuming peace talks, saying, “Like no other, Russia is interested in continuing discussions to achieve peace by peaceful means.”
Saudi Arabia’s role as mediator
Saudi Arabia, which has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has demonstrated its diplomatic capacity by engaging with both nations. Despite its condemnation of the Russian military offensive, the Kingdom has expressed its willingness to mediate and contribute to resolving the conflict. Putin acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts and its sincere approach to fostering peace. “We have good relations with both the King and the crown prince. I know that whatever Saudi Arabia does on this track, it does sincerely,” he noted.
As the situation remains fluid, Saudi Arabia’s role as a potential intermediary may pave the way for new opportunities in conflict resolution. The Kingdom’s neutral yet engaged stance offers a unique platform for dialogue, provided both Russia and Ukraine are willing to return to the negotiating table.
