Saudi Arabia is hosting talks on the Ukraine war in an effort to achieve a peaceful resolution. The meeting, which is being held in the coastal city of Jeddah, demonstrates Riyadh’s commitment to using its diplomatic influence to contribute to a lasting peace, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
Around 30 countries have been invited to the talks, although Russia is not among them. The selection of participating countries has not been disclosed. This initiative follows informal talks organized by Ukraine in Copenhagen in June, which did not result in an official statement. The purpose of those discussions was to engage a range of countries, particularly members of the BRICS bloc aligned with Russia, to discuss pathways to peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the diversity of countries represented in the Jeddah talks, including developing nations that have been severely impacted by the war’s consequences on food prices. Zelensky emphasized the importance of implementing a peace formula swiftly, as millions of people in Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world are directly affected by food security.
Saudi Arabia, known as the world’s largest crude exporter, has close ties with both sides of the Ukraine conflict and has positioned itself as a potential intermediary. By hosting this summit, Saudi Arabia aims to solidify its status as a global middle power capable of mediating conflicts. However, critics argue that Saudi Arabia’s past actions, such as its intervention in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, should not be overlooked in evaluating its current role.
The murder of Khashoggi in 2018 initially threatened to isolate Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. However, the Ukraine war and resulting energy crisis have elevated the kingdom’s global importance, contributing to the rehabilitation of Bin Salman’s image.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks on the Ukraine war demonstrates its proactive approach to promoting peace. While expectations for tangible outcomes may be limited, the participation of various countries, including those heavily affected by the conflict, signals the significance of finding a resolution. Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be recognized as a mediator comes with scrutiny, considering its past actions. By providing a platform for dialogue, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its global standing and facilitate efforts towards peace in Ukraine.
