Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday backed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a potential venue to meet US President Donald Trump next week. This comes as both sides rush to strike a deal ahead of Friday’s ceasefire deadline in Ukraine to avoid sweeping new sanctions. Russia confirmed the summit after Trump hinted at a possible meeting with Putin.
However, Putin dismissed Trump’s three-way summit idea involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He said that a meeting with Zelensky was not yet possible as the right “conditions” had not been met. Putin stood next to UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed while confirming that Abu Dhabi could be an ideal host.
The White House also confirmed Trump’s openness to such a summit. Meanwhile, Russia’s top officials said both sides had agreed “in principle” to a bilateral meeting.
UAE Emerges as Neutral Ground
Putin praised the UAE and its leader, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their willingness to host high-level talks. “We have many friends who are willing to help us organise such events. One of our friends is the president of the United Arab Emirates,” Putin said.
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He added that the UAE would be one of the most suitable places for a summit with Trump. His comments were seen as a strong nod to the Gulf nation’s growing diplomatic clout in global conflict mediation.
Trump-Putin Talks Before Sanctions
Putin’s confirmation follows a statement from his special envoy, Kirill A Dmitriev, who revealed that the summit with Trump could happen next week. Earlier in the day, Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov also confirmed that both sides had agreed “in principle” to the meeting at America’s suggestion.
The talks come at a crucial moment. If a ceasefire deal is not reached by Friday, both countries could face new international sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.
No to Zelensky for Now
Putin ruled out any possibility of a three-way summit with Trump and Zelensky. “I have nothing against it in general, it is possible, but certain conditions must be created for this,” he said.
“But unfortunately, we are still far from creating such conditions.” His remarks come just hours after Zelensky called for direct talks with Russia. Putin had earlier said he would only meet Zelensky during the “final phase” of conflict negotiations.
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UAE’s Rising Role in Global Diplomacy
The UAE’s emergence as a neutral venue reflects its increasing influence on the world stage. Abu Dhabi has hosted backchannel talks in other conflicts, including between Israel and Hamas, and has maintained strong ties with both Washington and Moscow.
Its ability to serve as a diplomatic bridge in a fractured global order makes it a strategic choice. For Putin and Trump, it offers a safe, discreet setting away from Western political noise.
What the Summit Could — and Couldn’t — Change?
With time running out before Friday’s ceasefire deadline, all eyes are now on the potential UAE summit. A Trump-Putin meeting may shift the diplomatic momentum, but the exclusion of Zelensky could limit its impact on the Ukraine crisis.
Meanwhile, the UAE is fast cementing its place as a key broker in global geopolitics.
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