Saudi Arabia to Host Ukraine Peace Summit in Jeddah, Inviting Global Powers
Saudi Arabia announced plans to hold a Ukraine peace summit in Jeddah, inviting Ukraine, the United States, European nations, China, India, Brazil, and several other countries. The summit aims to facilitate dialogue and find resolutions to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The leaders of Turkey and Saudi Arabia have played key roles in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, including large-scale prisoner swaps and maritime safety agreements. Their involvement in mediating the conflict highlights the increasing influence of “middle powers” in global affairs.
Although expectations for immediate diplomatic breakthroughs are low, the efforts of these middle powers demonstrate a shifting world order where smaller states can play significant roles. Saudi Arabia and Turkey, both with strong ties to Russia and the West, have emerged as important brokers in finding solutions to major conflicts.
The recently announced prisoner swap, which released hundreds of detained fighters and political prisoners, was overseen by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their successful negotiations earned praise from US national security advisor Jake Sullivan and others involved in the process.
Beyond the prisoner exchange, Saudi Arabia and Turkey continue to work towards resolving other issues related to the Ukraine conflict. Saudi Arabia facilitated the return of ten foreign nationals captured by Russia, including two Americans. Turkish leaders are also attempting to revive the Black Sea grain initiative, which they brokered in 2022 and is seen as crucial for finding common ground between Ukraine and Russia.
The rise of middle powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey as mediators in major conflicts reflects the changing dynamics of international relations. These countries can shape global realities and assert their independence in a multipolar world. Saudi Arabia’s desire to transform its image and status in various fields aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s aspirations.
While Saudi Arabia and Turkey face criticism from the West for their positions on Russia, their independent stances allow them to develop relationships with other global powers like China and maintain ties with neutral states in the Global South. Turkey’s support for Ukraine through weapons and aid has earned Kyiv’s respect, while Saudi Arabia has also shown support for Ukraine on the diplomatic stage.
The upcoming peace summit in Saudi Arabia is not expected to lead to an immediate breakthrough but aims to foster constructive engagement between the West and developing countries in the Global South. Many developing nations have refrained from taking sides in the conflict, often due to trade or military ties with Russia or historic distrust of the West. The summit will provide an opportunity for dialogue and communication, even if substantive progress is limited.