U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia: Why Was Riyadh Chosen?

Sudan Events – Agencies

Following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, is set to host a high-level meeting between senior Russian and American officials on Tuesday. The talks aim to strengthen relations between Moscow and Washington and officially lay the groundwork for negotiations on Ukraine. This diplomatic momentum is also seen as a precursor to an anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia, as announced by both countries.

The selection of Saudi Arabia as the host for U.S.-Russia talks was no coincidence. Likewise, Riyadh was not randomly chosen as the venue for the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting. Instead, this choice highlights the growing influence of the Saudi capital, its strategic neutrality, and its emerging role as a global mediator, according to Reuters.

Historically, Saudi Arabia has been a key ally of the United States in the region. At the same time, the kingdom—the world’s largest crude oil exporter—has closely collaborated with Russia on oil policy and has positioned itself as a mediator since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Strong Ties with Kyiv as Well

Despite its cooperation with Moscow, Saudi Arabia has maintained a close relationship with Kyiv. The kingdom has hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky multiple times, including his participation in the Arab League Summit in Jeddah in May 2023. Zelensky also met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in June of that year.

Zelensky is scheduled to visit Riyadh again on Wednesday for a long-planned official visit. However, his spokesperson confirmed on Monday that he does not intend to meet with either Russian or American officials during his trip.

A Neutral Stance on the War

Saudi Arabia has remained neutral in the conflict, striving to create space for dialogue between the warring parties rather than escalating tensions.

In September 2022, the kingdom played a key role in securing the release of foreign fighters detained in Ukraine, including two Americans and five Britons.

Furthermore, in August 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted talks on the Ukraine war, attracting representatives from over 40 countries—although Russia was notably absent.