- Saudi Arabia maintains strong ties with both the US and Russia, making it a neutral venue.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has positioned himself as a key global mediator.
- The kingdom seeks to expand its diplomatic influence beyond oil politics.
Saudi Arabia’s role as the host for US-Russia talks on Ukraine highlights its growing diplomatic ambitions. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has strategically strengthened ties with both Washington and Moscow, balancing relationships that allow Riyadh to play a mediator’s role in high-stakes global conflicts.
Beyond its oil dominance, Saudi Arabia is leveraging its political influence to position itself as a hub for global negotiations. By hosting these talks, MBS aims to solidify the kingdom’s reputation as a key player in international diplomacy, particularly amid shifting geopolitical alliances.
Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Play: Hosting US-Russia Talks
Saudi Arabia’s choice as the venue for US-Russia talks stems from its delicate balancing act between global superpowers. The kingdom has maintained strong ties with Washington while also deepening its relations with Moscow through energy partnerships like OPEC+. This diplomatic flexibility makes it a rare bridge between conflicting interests.
MBS’s calculated efforts to engage both Russia and the US have paid off, particularly after years of strained relations due to the 2018 Khashoggi killing. Hosting these high-profile negotiations helps rehabilitate his image and elevate Saudi Arabia’s influence on the world stage.
The Trump administration’s close ties with MBS played a role in this development. Trump saw Saudi Arabia as a key ally, given its massive investments in the US and its willingness to cooperate on strategic issues, including Middle Eastern stability and countering Iran’s influence.
For Russia, Saudi Arabia presents an opportunity to break its increasing diplomatic isolation from the West. Engaging in talks on neutral ground allows Moscow to negotiate without the pressure of Western allies directly controlling the discussion.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of US-Russia talks underscores its ambition to be more than an oil powerhouse—it seeks to be a global diplomatic force. MBS is using this opportunity to position the kingdom as a key mediator in international affairs.
“The strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must.” — Thucydides
