In a significant diplomatic move, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Moscow yesterday, setting the stage for a second round of talks on the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is now approaching its fourth year.
The United Arab Emirates has steadily become a key mediator in the conflict, helping broker multiple prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. The UAE has also played host to recent negotiations involving US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials focused on a US-drafted plan aimed at ending the fighting.
While a follow-up meeting is scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, it remains uncertain whether US officials will be present.
During the televised meeting, Putin praised the UAE’s role, saying, “I would like to commend the Emirati side’s efforts in the context of the Ukrainian crisis, their contribution to prisoner exchanges, and assistance in organizing contacts in the United Arab Emirates.”
The meeting saw the presence of several senior Russian officials, including Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Notably, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a close Kremlin ally who rarely participates in bilateral foreign meetings, was also in attendance.
President Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of dialogue, expressing support for “constructive dialogue and efforts aimed at promoting necessary diplomatic solutions.”
As world leaders prepare for the next round of discussions, there is a shared hope that diplomacy can pave the way to peace. For millions affected by the war, each meeting is a reminder that dialogue, even in the midst of conflict, carries the possibility of change.
