A New Chapter in Global Diplomacy: The Riyadh Summit and Its Implications for Ukraine
On Tuesday, Ukraine became the focal point of discussions at a conference table in Riyadh, but not in the way one might expect. The country was laid bare for initial discussions by American and Russian officials while Ukrainians themselves sat on the sidelines, absent from deliberations that could determine their future.
The first day of talks drew attention for its luxurious setting, where a hearty lunch of whole lamb and symphonic scallops served as a rather stark contrast to the gravity of the topic at hand. These initial discussions have left Ukraine and its European allies speculating about their potential exclusion from crucial conversations regarding their fate. U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz reassured that both Ukrainians and Europeans would be consulted regularly, despite their conspicuous absence.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted any consensus reached would need to be acceptable to all parties involved, but his earlier fervor for including Ukrainian representatives faltered. Rather than committing unequivocally to their role in negotiations, discussions focused heavily on President Trump’s pivotal position in inspiring and guiding the peace process aimed at resolving the conflict.
Throughout the meeting, the significance of Trump’s leadership was reiterated, invoking his name over twenty times. Both Waltz and Rubio emphasized the unique capability of the President to navigate through the complex geopolitics surrounding Ukraine, raising concerns about whether inclusivity truly underpins their strategy.
The culmination of discussions in Riyadh is positioned to lead towards a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This sets a precedent reminiscent of historical meetings where superpowers convened in the Middle East to redraw boundaries in Europe, echoing the Tehran Conference of 1943. In this modern interpretation, Trump may embody the role of Roosevelt while Putin takes on the Soviet persona of Stalin, further isolating European voices from the decision-making process.
For Ukrainians and many European nations, this scenario feels alarmingly parallel to the Munich Agreement of 1938. Just as the Czechoslovaks were sidelined as significant power players plotted their fate, Ukrainians now find themselves waiting anxiously for news from Turkey where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy resides, rather than being an active participant with a seat at the negotiating table.
As the Riyadh meetings drew to a close, a concerning paradigm resurfaced: the reality that great powers will dictate the terms while lesser nations react accordingly. Meanwhile, Russia has visibly regained its status as a dominant player on the international stage, underscored by its nuclear might and a commitment to renewed diplomatic engagement.
After the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed satisfaction with the outcomes and conveyed optimism regarding future conversations. This exchange evidently prioritized Saudi Arabia’s role as a neutral venue, effectively shielding dialogues from public dissent, a stark contrast to the tumultuous nature of domestic politics in American and European contexts.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a dual role at this summit, not just as a host but as a central figure navigating the maelstrom of geopolitical interests. Having recovered from international ostracism following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the crown prince re-emerged as a significant player, influencing key discussions about peace processes not only in Ukraine but also regarding the broader regional landscape.
The Riyadh summit marks a turning point, steering diplomatic dynamics back towards a model dominated by power negotiations rather than cooperative policies. In a world increasingly defined by the legacy of dominant nations, the voices of smaller states like Ukraine may find themselves drowned out, left to grapple with the consequences of decisions made in distant palatial rooms.
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