Russian President Vladimir Putin reached out to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday to update him on recent talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. This move aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in ending the Ukraine conflict, building on earlier meetings hosted by the kingdom.
Putin’s Recent Call and Praise
Putin called the crown prince to share details from his Friday summit with Trump in Alaska. During the conversation, Putin thanked Saudi Arabia for its role in hosting initial U.S.Russian talks in Riyadh back in March.
This phone call highlights Putin’s effort to keep Saudi leaders involved as peace efforts gain speed. Saudi state media noted that the crown prince stressed the need for diplomatic solutions to global disputes. The discussion also touched on oil markets, showing how economic ties play into these talks.
Observers say Putin values the crown prince’s good ties with both Trump and himself. This could help smooth out tough negotiations ahead.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Involvement
Saudi Arabia stepped into the Ukraine peace process as a neutral host earlier this year. The March meeting in Riyadh marked the first highlevel contact between U.S. and Russian officials in three years.
At that time, both sides agreed to halt attacks on energy sites and pause fighting in the Black Sea. While the Black Sea truce has held somewhat, energy strikes resumed soon after, raising doubts about lasting progress.
The crown prince has built a reputation as a mediator. In 2022, he helped broker a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. This success made Saudi Arabia a trusted voice for both sides.
Recent posts on X show public interest in these efforts, with users noting the crown prince’s push for peace formulas that include full Russian troop withdrawal.
Key Agreements and Setbacks
Peace talks have seen ups and downs since early 2025. The Riyadh meeting set a foundation, but not all promises stuck.
Here are some major points from the process:
- Ceasefire in the Black Sea to protect shipping routes.
- Pledge to avoid targeting power plants and oil facilities.
- Plans for direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in coming weeks.
Despite these, challenges remain. Russian forces continue advances in eastern Ukraine, and sanctions from the West add pressure.
A quick look at the timeline shows how events unfolded:
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | Riyadh talks between U.S. and Russia | Agreements on energy and Black Sea pauses |
| February 2025 | Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia | Discussions on just peace terms |
| August 2025 | PutinTrump summit in Alaska | Steps toward broader deal |
| August 19, 2025 | Putin calls crown prince | Briefing on summit results |
This table captures the fastmoving developments leading to current efforts.
Zelensky’s Changing Views
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was wary at first about Saudi involvement. He delayed a trip to the kingdom in February, upset that Ukraine was left out of some talks.
Zelensky later met with the crown prince and praised his mediation role. He said the focus must stay on a fair peace that restores Ukraine’s 1991 borders.
Public sentiment, as seen in online discussions, supports Zelensky’s call for strong security guarantees. European leaders have joined in pushing for Ukraine’s place at the table.
Zelensky’s team now sees Saudi Arabia as a helpful bridge, especially with its ties to Russia through OPEC+.
Wider Impacts on Global Relations
These talks affect more than just Ukraine. Saudi Arabia balances its U.S. alliance with Russian partnerships in oil production.
The crown prince’s involvement could boost his image worldwide, amid past controversies. It also ties into broader Middle East dynamics, where peace in Europe might ease tensions elsewhere.
Economic factors play a big role too. Peace could stabilize oil prices and boost global trade, benefiting nations like Saudi Arabia.
Analysts predict that a successful deal might lead to lifted sanctions and rebuilt infrastructure in Ukraine.
What Lies Ahead for Peace Efforts
Upcoming meetings could decide the war’s end. Putin has agreed to meet Zelensky soon, with possible Saudi hosting again.
Challenges include territorial disputes and security pacts. U.S. officials warn of hurdles, but momentum builds.
Experts say 2025 might bring a ceasefire, though a full peace deal could take longer. Bitcoin markets even speculate on price swings tied to outcomes, showing wide ripple effects.
What do you think about Saudi Arabia’s role in these talks? Share your views in the comments and spread this article to keep the conversation going.
