Riyadh, UAE Possible Hosts for Trump-Putin Summit

Russian Sources Point to Recent Visits by Kremlin Officials to Saudi Arabia and UAE

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MOSCOW - Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seen by Russia as possible venues for a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, two Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.

Mr. Trump has said he will end the war in Ukraine as soon as possible, and that he is ready to meet Mr. Putin.

Mr. Putin congratulated Mr. Trump on his election and stated he is ready to meet him to discuss Ukraine and energy.

Russian officials have repeatedly denied any direct contacts with the US about preparations for a phone call between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin, which would precede an eventual meeting later in 2025.

But senior Russian officials have visited both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent weeks, according to the Russian sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One source said there was still some opposition to the idea in Russia, as some diplomats and intelligence officials were pointing to the close military and security links that both the kingdom and the UAE have with the US.

But both Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin have developed friendly ties with rulers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.