Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, is hosting a summit in the ancient Red Sea port city of Jeddah to discuss peace in Ukraine. The summit, expected to be attended by up to 40 nations including the US and India, is seen by Ukrainian officials as an opportunity to gain support and develop a unified vision for peace in the country. The venue choice is significant as it counters Russia’s narrative that Ukraine is only supported by “countries of the collective West”. While Moscow has chosen to “monitor” rather than attend the summit, Ukrainian officials remain hopeful that the gathering will help unite the world around Ukraine’s cause.
This summit, part of a series of peace talks, differs from previous ones as Saudi Arabia, unlike Denmark, has not taken a side in the conflict. Crown Prince MBS has leverage due to Saudi Arabia’s position at the confluence of competing global interests. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has played host to visits from leaders such as US President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping, allowing MBS to build diplomatic ties and pursue his ambition of making Saudi Arabia a dominant geopolitical player. Saudi Arabia’s recent peace deal with Iran and the halt in attacks by Iranian proxies in Yemen have further solidified its position in the region.
MBS’s main goal is a stable oil market and stronger trade relations throughout the Gulf. A stable and peaceful Ukraine is crucial to achieving this goal, as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine could have catastrophic effects on the oil market. MBS has potential leverage over Russia through his control over oil prices, and this may be a crucial factor in future negotiations.
The summit also highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reimagine its role in the Middle East and build closer ties with countries like Israel. Negotiations with the US reportedly include discussions on nuclear power plants, fighter aircraft, and security guarantees. While these topics are separate from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they demonstrate the potential for multiple quid pro quos and growing possibilities for diplomatic achievements.
China’s economic support is also crucial for Russia’s ability to wage war in Ukraine, making it a key player in the conflict. The presence of other nations from the global south at the summit, who also support Russia’s war effort, provides an opportunity for Ukraine to impress upon them the need for peace and counter Russian propaganda.
Overall, the Jeddah peace summit offers a chance for Ukraine to gain international support and work towards a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. While challenges remain, such as countering Russian propaganda and convincing key players to prioritize peace, the summit represents a significant opportunity for progress.