Saudi to host possible peace talk between Russia, Ukraine, President Putin declares

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Saudi Arabia would be a suitable location for potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Despite the sigh of relief that came with the announcement, the Russian leader pointed out that any negotiation would require Ukraine to lift its ban on engaging with Russia.

Putin, while addressing a pre-BRICS Summit press conference in Moscow Region, noted that Russia is open to dialogue with Kyiv, but only based on the terms previously discussed in the 2022 Istanbul talks.

He applauded the Kingdom’s mediation efforts, highlighting his strong relationship with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and expressed belief in the sincerity of their efforts.

Putin also noted that the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis would be on the summit’s agenda, reaffirming the Kremlin’s support for a two-state solution.

He mentioned being in contact with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities and extended an invitation to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to participate in the summit.

The upcoming 16th annual BRICS summit, set to take place in Kazan, Russia, next week, will include new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, alongside the original five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

During its BRICS presidency this year, Russia has said it will focus on “promoting the entire range of partnership and cooperation within the framework of the association on three key tracks – politics and security, the economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian ties.”