Saudi Arabia Suitable for Ukraine Talks: Putin

Moscow (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Saudi Arabia as a “sincere” and acceptable venue for potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, while reiterating that any negotiations would depend on Ukraine lifting its ban on dealing with Moscow.

Speaking at a press conference following the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow on Friday, Putin responded to a question by affirming his openness to participating in peace talks hosted by Saudi Arabia.

However, he stressed that the substance of the discussions would take precedence over the location.

“If peace talks are organized in Saudi Arabia, the venue would be acceptable to us,” Putin said.

He emphasized that the talks should build on previous negotiations, particularly the draft agreement reached in Istanbul in 2022, which he said Ukraine later abandoned.

“We are ready to continue a dialogue, but based on the document that was prepared for many months and was initialed by Ukraine,” he added, accusing Kyiv of halting the peace process.

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Putin acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach to the conflict, noting the Kingdom’s strong relations with both Russia and Ukraine and its willingness to mediate.

“We have good relations with both the King and the Crown Prince, and I am sure that Saudi Arabia is sincere in its efforts,” Putin remarked.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations, the Kingdom has maintained a neutral stance and has sought to play a mediating role in resolving the conflict.

Putin also welcomed initiatives from other countries aimed at finding a peaceful solution, reiterating Russia’s readiness to resume negotiations.

“Like no other, Russia is interested in resolving this conflict as soon as possible by peaceful means,” he said.

BRICS Summit

The Russian president’s remarks came ahead of the 16th annual BRICS summit, which will be held next week in Kazan, Russia.

The meeting will include the bloc’s core members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — as well as new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.

Saudi Arabia, which was invited to join BRICS last year, will be represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

In addition to discussing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the BRICS summit will also address the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, Putin confirmed.

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The Russian president reiterated Moscow’s support for a two-state solution and revealed that he had invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate in the talks.

“Our position is clear,” Putin said. “The root cause of the Israel-Palestine conflict is the lack of implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the establishment of two states — Israel and Palestine.”