Strong Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The United Arab Emirates is likely to host a peace summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As part of its ongoing mediation efforts to end the war.
This initiative is bolstered by recent developments, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire to bring the conflict to an end.
The UAE maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with all key parties involved in the war.
Including the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.
Giving it a deep understanding of the Ukrainian conflict and open communication channels with both sides.
Previous Roles
The UAE has previously played a mediator role in prisoner exchanges.
By proposing a ceasefire initiative that was well received, positioning it as a prime candidate for this mission.
The proposal includes an initial ceasefire, followed by unconditional negotiations between both sides.
With a focus on humanitarian aspects such as prisoner exchanges and restoring normal life in conflict zones.
Subsequent discussions would address broader contentious issues.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his willingness to support peace efforts in Ukraine.
This was during his meeting with Putin in October 2024.
Speaking on the success of past mediation efforts in prisoner exchanges.
Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the UAE’s commitment to “continuing to exert more efforts in this vital humanitarian aspect”.
Reaffirming the country’s readiness to contribute to resolving crises for the sake of peace.
UAE’s Mediation in Putin and Zelensky Peace Summit Gains Momentum with Trump’s Support
Observers believe the UAE’s peace mediation efforts have a stronger chance of success.
Now that Trump is actively seeking to end the war quickly.
From the outset, the UAE was seen as a natural mediator due to its good relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
While the Kremlin has stated that no decision has been made yet.
Abu Dhabi appears to be the most likely venue for a Putin-Zelensky Peace Summit.
Uncertainty remains over a potential Trump-Putin summit.
With speculation about whether it would be hosted by the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
UAE’s Role as a Trusted Mediator in Putin and Zelensky Peace Summit
Trump has made it clear that one of his top priorities is ending the nearly three-year conflict, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine.
On Wednesday, he announced that he might meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that no firm decision had been made regarding the meeting between the two leaders.
Also he could not specify a timeline for it.
“This could take weeks, months, or even several months,” Peskov told Russia’s TASS news agency.
10 Emirati aid convoys arrive in #Gaza Strip as a gift from Mother of the Emirates
Consisting of 175 trucks carrying more than 2,400 tons of humanitarian aid pic.twitter.com/HySbmd4CN7
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 14, 2025
The Kremlin Position
On Wednesday, Trump and Putin spoke for over an hour by phone.
Their first publicly disclosed direct conversation since Putin last called then-President Joe Biden shortly before ordering the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
On Thursday, the Kremlin expressed appreciation for Trump’s stance on ending the war in Ukraine.
He confirmed that preparations were underway for a bilateral meeting between Trump and Putin.
Trump also confirmed Thursday that Ukraine would be part of any negotiations to end the war with Russia, stating that he believes Putin “wants peace.”
“I think he would tell me if he doesn’t,” Trump told reporters at the White House following his call with the Russian president.
