UAE considered as venue for possible summit between Putin, Trump

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a potential venue for a high-level summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to Oleg Karpovich, Vice-Rector of the Diplomatic Academy at the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Karpovich highlighted the UAE’s track record as a reliable host for international negotiations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"The UAE has repeatedly facilitated exchanges, consultations, and diplomatic talks. It has the positive experience necessary for hosting discussions of this magnitude," he said.

Karpovich also noted that traditional venues, such as Switzerland, are unlikely to be considered due to its alignment with Western sanctions against Russia. "Switzerland ceased to be a neutral state when it joined the anti-Russian sanctions. Trust in Switzerland as a neutral mediator has been eroded," he explained, adding that a Middle Eastern country would likely be a more suitable choice.

Karpovich underscored the need for urgent dialogue between the U.S. and Russia to address the ongoing Ukrainian crisis. "During his campaign, Donald Trump committed to working toward resolving the Ukrainian conflict. Now it’s time to move from words to action," he stated.

He also criticized outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s foreign policy, arguing that it has exacerbated tensions between Moscow and Washington. "Trump understands that Biden’s policies have led to an unprecedented crisis in Russian-American relations, even surpassing the Cuban Missile Crisis in its severity. The world is highly charged, and decisive action is needed," Karpovich said.

The Vice-Rector emphasized that any negotiations on the Ukrainian crisis would hinge on the situation on the ground. "President Putin has expressed his willingness to meet with Trump and discuss a broad range of issues if such a proposal is made," Karpovich noted.

"Russia’s position remains clear: we will base our approach on the realities on the ground. Russian forces continue to make advances, and this will be a key factor in shaping the talks," he added.

While no official announcement has been made, the possibility of a Putin-Trump summit signals a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations under the incoming U.S. administration. The UAE’s role as a host, if confirmed, would further cement its reputation as a hub for high-stakes diplomacy.

By Khagan Isayev