Donald Trump is set to meet with Vladimir Putin again, marking their first encounter since Trump returned to the White House. Preparations for the summit are underway in a complex international landscape, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
Preparations for Trump-Putin Meeting
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the agreement for the meeting was reached "at the suggestion of the American side," and both sides have begun "concrete preparations." A location has already been chosen but will be announced later.
UAE President's Visit to Moscow
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan visited Moscow for a separate meeting with Putin. This was his second trip to Russia in less than a year, fueling speculation that the UAE could host the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting. During the visit, al Nahyan noted that trade between the two countries surged by 68% in 2022, reaching $9 billion.
U.S. Attention on UAE-Russia Ties
With the growing ties between the UAE and Russia, Washington is closely monitoring the situation. In 2023, the Biden administration designated the UAE as a "country of focus" for assisting Moscow in circumventing U.S. sanctions.
The meeting between Trump and Putin could signify a new phase in U.S.-Russia relations. However, how it unfolds and what comes of it will become clear only during their face-to-face interaction.
