Saudi Arabia Kicks Off Ukraine Peace Effort With Jeddah Talks

Senior officials from around 40 countries, beside Russia, are in Saudi Arabia for the “Jeddah Talks” to establish a lasting consensus and resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The summit aims to engage leaders in constructive dialogue and seek a comprehensive peace agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed this initiative saying it’s very important as food security, the fate of millions of people in Africa, Asia and other countries depends on how fast the world moves to implement the peace formula. He highlighted a similar event that was held in Copenhagen in June.

“A fair and honest end to Russian aggression will benefit everyone in the world. Liberating Ukrainian land from the occupiers means restoring full respect for international law and the UN Charter. Eliminating all threats created by Russia to Ukrainian and global security means returning peace to international relations and stability to global life.”

Jeddah Talks is a continuation of efforts by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his communications with Russian and Ukrainian leaders since the start of the Ukraine war. The kingdom hopes to achieve a permanent peace deal, while reducing the impact of the war and its humanitarian repercussions.

Joost Hiltermann, Middle East program director for the International Crisis Group, believes that by hosting the summit, Saudi Arabia wants to reinforce its bid to become a global middle power with the ability to mediate conflicts. “Moving forward Riyadh wants to be in the company of an India or a Brazil because only as a club can these middle powers hope to have an impact on the world stage. Whether they will be able to agree on all things, such as the Ukraine war, is a big question.”

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Julien Barnes-Dacey, director of the MENA programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said key GCC states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now assertively setting their own agendas and balancing between global players to maximize their gains. “Saudi Arabia and the UAE have embraced emerging multipolarity. They both view their own roles, empowered by the post-Ukraine global pursuit of allies and energy resources, as that of major shaping actors that no longer need to accept diktats from external actors.”

Overall, hopes are high on this summit to pave the way for a permanent peace deal, ending the suffering of innocent civilians and restoring stability to the region.