On February 11, 2025, Saudi Arabia successfully facilitated discussions between the United States and Ukraine, a significant development following strained relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Trump administration. This came after a series of contentious White House talks that drew widespread global attention. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Saudi Arabia’s “indispensable role” was pivotal in arranging high-level talks between Moscow and Washington in Riyadh on February 18, 2025, marking a long-awaited diplomatic breakthrough. These Saudi efforts are pivotal in breaking the longstanding deadlock regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine after years of inertia. Certainly, the kingdom’s role in orchestrating a series of talks between these parties carries significant implications for its rising status as an influential force in the global peace process, as well as for the ongoing strife between them. Notably, these negotiations mark the first high-level discussions between Washington and Moscow since 2023, thereby opening avenues for addressing a crisis that has far-reaching global ramifications.
Next, we will delve into answers to the following questions: What factors led to the kingdom’s selection for this round of negotiations? What benefits are anticipated from the Russia-US negotiations for Saudi Arabia, and what challenges might obstruct Riyadh’s path to resolving the crisis?
First: Underlying Factors
Over the course of history, Saudi Arabia has been a key player in mediating and resolving conflicts between nations. In recent years, however, this role has gained significant momentum due to shifts in the kingdom’s foreign policy and its ambitions to bolster its regional and international influence. Several factors contributed to Saudi Arabia being chosen as the host for talks between the United States and Russia, as well as between the United States and Ukraine, with the most important of these being:
1-The Nature of the Kingdom’s Relations Between the Parties to the Crisis
Saudi Arabia maintains strong and valued relations with all parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine war. It enjoys distinguished ties with Washington, which sees it as a crucial strategic ally both in the Middle East and globally, especially following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has reasserted itself as a significant global player, earning the trust of Eastern powers, particularly Russia and China. It has successfully forged a strategic partnership with Russia, built on mutual cooperation and shared interests. The kingdom also maintains a solid relationship with the Ukrainian president, with its humanitarian efforts gaining considerable influence with Ukraine. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has fostered strong ties with European parties, who are key stakeholders in the conflict. These relations are strengthened through multiple strategic partnerships and shared interests within the European Union. All of these factors have positioned Saudi Arabia as an unequivocal party in the crisis, one that commands the trust of all involved stakeholders.
2-Saudi Arabia’s Neutral Stance on the Dispute
Since the onset of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has maintained a neutral stance, refraining from taking sides or playing a negative role. Instead, it has acted as a key mediator, alongside the UAE, facilitating prisoner exchanges between the conflicting parties and proactively proposing initiatives to resolve the crisis. In this context, Riyadh hosted a two-day peace summit on Ukraine in 2023, which brought together officials from over 40 countries. This has established the kingdom as a trusted destination for all parties involved, recognized for its impartiality and role as a genuine and reliable mediator.
3-Internationally-acclaimed Record in Mediation
This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has played a role in mediating international conflicts and disputes. With its religious significance, historical legacy and substantial regional and global influence, the kingdom has consistently been an effective mediator in resolving both regional and international conflicts. As Saudi Arabia pursues a more proactive and engaged foreign policy at both the international and regional levels, it has successfully redefined itself as a force for peace, a catalyst for stability and security, and a supporter of international legitimacy and the principles of international law. Its hosting of these successive rounds of talks aligns with this ongoing role, which it resolutely undertakes, aspires to and has solidified for itself on the global stage.
4-The Necessity of the United States and Russia for Saudi Arabia
The kingdom is seen as a suitable partner for the United States, Ukraine and Russia, especially at this stage of the conflict. For the United States, there is a special relationship and mutual trust between Trump and the Saudi leadership, with strong coordination on numerous regional issues. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia and Russia are partners in OPEC+, with significant cooperation not only in economic and commercial matters but also on regional security concerns. Russia, seeking reliable partners to diversify its international alliances, views Saudi Arabia as a trustworthy ally. On the other hand, countries like Türkiye, a NATO member, and the European parties allied with Ukraine in the conflict are less suitable locations for Russia to host talks. Ukraine also maintains good relations with the kingdom, which has played a vital humanitarian role in the country. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has remained neutral in the conflict, refraining from taking sides with Russia despite its strong ties with the country.
Second: The Kingdom’s Gains
There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Russia-US talks holds importance, considering the anticipated global repercussions of these negotiations. This comes after years of bloody conflict that has had a profound impact across various levels and sectors. Therefore, the kingdom’s role in hosting these rounds of talks is expected to yield positive outcomes for Saudi Arabia in several key areas, the most important of which are:
1-Strengthening Its Position and Maintaining a Presence at the Center of Global Events
US talks with both Russia and Ukraine have positioned Saudi Arabia as an acceptable mediator for negotiations between the conflicting parties. This aligns perfectly with the kingdom’s ambitions to reshape its international image through its Vision 2030 agenda, particularly in transforming its capital into a regional economic, cultural and tourism hub, rather than just an indispensable diplomatic destination. With the parties agreeing to continue talks and calling for a ceasefire, and following the kingdom’s hosting of the Ukrainian president and the possibility of it hosting a meeting between the US and Russian presidents, Saudi Arabia will find itself at the center of international events. Trump has indicated his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the kingdom in the “not-too-distant future.” All of these developments will enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing, strengthening its position as an emerging regional and international power. This will positively impact its role and influence on various issues concerning regional security and stability, as well as its influence within its various spheres of interest.
2-Enhancing Interests and Ties With the United States, Russia and Ukraine
The trust placed by both Moscow and Washington in Riyadh provides an ideal platform for advancing the kingdom’s interests with both parties, particularly in the geopolitical realm where Riyadh’s interests intersect with those of the two countries. This includes the expected arrangements in the Middle East and influencing US policies in the region to align with Saudi objectives. The talks are not about re-establishing the relationship between Washington and Moscow, but rather about restoring Saudi Arabia’s significance in the eyes of the United States. The negotiations also offer economic benefits, as the kingdom could position itself as a partner in any future agreements between the two sides. Given that the talks in Riyadh were framed around the idea of restoring relations, particularly in areas of cooperation and partnership such as the economy, Saudi Arabia, as a rising economic power, can present itself as an essential partner for both countries. Additionally, the kingdom can showcase itself as a key player in reconstruction efforts, further bolstering its strategy to diversify investments and economic partnerships, while positioning itself to tap into valuable resources, including rare minerals, which are crucial for any nation seeking leadership and progress.
3-Supporting the Kingdom’s Role as a Catalyst for Stability and Mediator Between Global Powers
Through its role as an effective mediator between the two global powers and Ukraine, Saudi Arabia is increasingly gaining influence as a catalyst for stability and a key player in resolving complex issues. The success of these talks will undoubtedly position the kingdom for further roles on the global and regional stage, particularly in conflict resolution. This will enhance its capacity to mediate in regional issues such as the conflict in Sudan, and potentially extend to its role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, especially given recent Iranian reports that suggest a potential mediation role for Saudi Arabia. It is also plausible that the kingdom may serve as a mediator between the United States and China, as Saudi Arabia possesses all the qualifications to facilitate negotiations between these global powers.
Third: Potential Challenges Facing Riyadh
Despite the significance of the talks and Saudi Arabia’s role in bringing the conflicting parties together and initiating an effective dialogue to resolve their differences, there are several challenges that could hinder Riyadh’s efforts. The most notable of these challenges are:
1-The European and Ukrainian Position on the Talks
Initially, European parties and Ukraine were open to participating in the talks hosted by the kingdom, considering its role in the conflict. However, these parties have expressed reservations about the US stance, particularly its unilateral actions that disregard their concerns and guarantees. Some European leaders, wary of President Trump’s reformed approach to US policy towards Russia, fear that Washington may make dangerous concessions to Moscow, potentially reshaping Europe’s security framework in a way that undermines European interests. On the other hand, Ukraine is concerned that a deal between Washington and Moscow could jeopardize its sovereignty and long-term security. As a result, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy refused to participate in the talks and canceled a planned visit to the kingdom, fearing misinterpretations of the messages. He emphasized, “We cannot acknowledge any agreements concerning us without our involvement. We will not recognize such agreements.” This stance has emerged as one of the obstacles to the kingdom’s efforts to mediate the Ukrainian crisis. Nevertheless, the kingdom was able to facilitate a dialogue that brought Washington and Kyiv closer together. The talks highlighted the kingdom’s potential to align transatlantic perspectives on the crisis, focusing on the core objective of resolving the conflict and ending the war.
2-Complexities in Russia-US Relations
Despite what Russia views as a crucial shift in its interests, strengthening its position in the conflict, the parties have yet to engage in meaningful discussions about the deep-rooted issues that fuel tensions. Progress cannot be made unilaterally; any resolution requires attention to the demands of all involved parties, or at the very least, their minimum concerns. Without this consideration, the talks are at risk of collapsing at any moment. The fundamental differences between the sides, especially on strategic matters such as nuclear issues, strategic missiles, geopolitical rivalry and relations with China, North Korea and Iran, could quickly bring the discussions back to square one. This situation highlights the difficulty of finding lasting solutions without addressing the core issues that remain unresolved.
3-Competing Roles Facing the Kingdom
The UAE, Türkiye and China are all eager to host peace talks and act as mediators between the two sides, continuing their efforts to play a role in resolving the conflict. The UAE has previously been involved in mediations that facilitated a prisoner exchange between Russia and the conflicting parties and has been a preferred host for Russia. It also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Ukraine, positioning itself to play a significant role in the crisis. Türkiye, for its part, believes it is well-suited to host such an important event. Ankara hosted direct peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul in 2022 and was also key in facilitating the grain export agreement. President Erdogan has remarked that the Istanbul negotiations are an important reference point, as they were the platform through which both sides moved closer to an agreement. In February 2025, Türkiye hosted talks following the Russia-US discussions in Riyadh. However, the Russians view Türkiye as a competitor and not a neutral party due to the support Ankara has provided to Ukraine. China, seeking to increase its influence and global standing, also expressed interest in gaining leverage through mediation. However, despite these efforts, none of these countries possess the ideal mediator qualities that Saudi Arabia holds. The kingdom’s neutrality, influence, position and approval by all parties make it a far more suitable mediator for this conflict.
4-Contentious Issues in Saudi-US Relations:
The kingdom’s role in hosting pivotal talks between Russia and the United States may be influenced by several contentious issues between Washington and Riyadh, or between Riyadh and Moscow. For the United States, there are disagreements over matters such as the oil supply dispute and US pressure on the kingdom to reduce oil prices, as well as the Palestinian issue, where the United States’ pro-Israel stance conflicts with the kingdom’s interests. Any discussion of these issues could undermine Riyadh’s ability to host Russia-US talks. On the other hand, Moscow also has points of contention with Saudi Arabia. These include the ongoing developments in Syria, where Saudi Arabia supports the new government, and growing Russian-Iranian cooperation, particularly in defense, which threatens regional security and stability. Moreover, the strategic partnership between Tehran and Moscow, along with Russian backing of Iran’s position on the nuclear issue, presents potential challenges to the kingdom’s interests in the region.
Conclusion
Despite the global competition to mediate the Russia-Ukraine war, Saudi Arabia uniquely fulfills the criteria of an effective mediator capable of achieving meaningful outcomes. The kingdom’s hosting of the current rounds of negotiations highlights the success of Saudi Arabia’s international strategies and the effectiveness of the Saudi crown prince’s foreign policy, which is centered on diversifying international partnerships, maintaining neutrality and striving for a distinct position among major global powers. This approach has allowed Saudi Arabia to become a neutral party, accepted by all sides involved in the conflict. Indeed, the kingdom has successfully brought together the United States and Russia on its territory. After hosting the Ukrainian president, Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in bridging the gaps between the United States and Ukraine, following deep differences between the two. This development could pave the way for resolving one of the most complex international crises of the 21st century, with Saudi Arabia’s assistance. Such achievements will position the kingdom as a key player among global powers and strengthen its influence in a critical transitional phase in international relations. Additionally, it will enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing and leadership in regional geopolitics, solidifying its role as a rising global power.
