The upcoming US-Russia summit in Riyadh will address the Ukrainian crisis, Iran’s nuclear program, the Middle East peace process, and broader economic and security concerns. Excluding the EU and Canada, this summit offers President Trump a chance to leverage negotiations for strategic gains. The anticipation of Trump’s negotiating tactics raises fears of potentially unfavorable outcomes for Ukraine and its allies if compromises are not adequately secured.
The imminent US-Russia summit in Riyadh is poised to catalyze critical geopolitical shifts, addressing not just the Ukrainian crisis but also pressing matters such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This summit will explore the future of Middle East peace, especially following the decline of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, and will delve into economic and security issues, China’s involvement in the Gulf, and global trade routes.
A notable element of this summit is the exclusion of key players from the Ukraine conflict, such as the European Union and Canada. For US President Donald Trump, this represents an opportunity to secure strategic advantages without engaging other countries that he views as pawns in the geopolitical arena. Even Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelensky has become a part of the leverage that Trump aims to utilize.
Trump’s strategy seems to encompass a broad spectrum of negotiations, which may include monopolizing Ukraine’s rare earth mineral production and redefining regional influences to bolster Russia at China’s detriment. He is particularly focused on reviving the Arctic shipping route, which he sees as a vital asset that would greatly expedite trade between Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe, prompting concerns among European nations and Ukraine about possible behind-the-scenes agreements that may enhance Russia’s position.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has expressed a desire to swiftly resolve the war, asserting, “When I reach the White House, I will end the war in one day.” Earlier peace plans proposed a halt to US military aid unless Ukraine engaged in negotiations, along with increased military support if Moscow remained uncooperative. However, these proposals were dismissed by Russian sources who remain uninterested in compromise.
Russian President Vladimir Putin seems disinclined to reach a settlement that demands concessions, maintaining that Russia will ultimately prevail in the conflict. Moscow’s demands, including Ukraine’s permanent neutrality and recognition of Russian claims, are unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies, while Indo-Pacific nations fear this could encourage China’s aggression toward Taiwan.
In the United States, many also oppose a deal that may fortify authoritarian regimes at the expense of US standing. Although Trump seeks to negotiate peace, any agreement must entail genuine concessions and not a superficial ceasefire, necessitating considerable pressure from the US on Russia to ensure mutual compromises.
Historically, Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategies have proven effective, such as during the Iran sanctions imposed in 2018, which significantly disrupted their economy and military capabilities. Applying similar tactics toward Russia could incentivize Moscow to engage in negotiations, albeit this is contingent on whether these pressures yield sufficient incentives for compliance.
Unlike Iran, Russia maintains considerable power and resilience, successfully adapting to previous sanctions while bolstering alliances and energy revenues. Further sanctions may not be as effective as anticipated and may not compel Russia to negotiate as Trump hopes, necessitating creative deal-making that permits Russia to retain some territorial control while ensuring Ukraine’s neutrality.
For a sustainable resolution, the Trump administration must implement a thorough strategy to prevent Russia from controlling peace terms. A favorable outcome would not only stabilize Europe but also reflect a resurgent US leadership on the global stage, which would resonate throughout an increasingly unstable world.
The US-Russia summit in Riyadh presents an opportunity for strategic negotiations that could reshape global geopolitics. However, the inclusion of meaningful concessions and a robust strategy to prevent a Russian victory is crucial. The outcome of these discussions will not only affect US and European interests but may reinforce or challenge global power dynamics, particularly in relation to China and other authoritarian regimes.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
