Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, the Kremlin reported. The discussion centered around key geopolitical and economic issues, including Russia-US negotiations in Riyadh and ongoing cooperation in the OPEC+ framework to maintain stability in global oil markets.
The call highlighted the strengthening ties between Russia and Saudi Arabia, two of the world’s most influential energy-producing nations. Putin expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting diplomatic discussions between Russia and the United States earlier in the week. The meeting, held in Riyadh, marked a significant development in global diplomacy, as tensions between Russia and Western countries have intensified over recent geopolitical crises.
The Russia-US negotiations in Riyadh on Tuesday were reportedly a high-stakes dialogue aimed at addressing key areas of contention, including Ukraine, energy security, and strategic arms control. While official details of the discussions remain undisclosed, diplomatic sources suggest that Saudi Arabia played a crucial mediating role in facilitating dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
This development underscores Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a diplomatic powerhouse in global politics. In recent years, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has positioned the kingdom as a key player in regional and international negotiations, leveraging its energy wealth and strategic geopolitical location.
By thanking the Saudi leadership for hosting these critical talks, Putin acknowledged Riyadh’s efforts to act as a neutral ground for negotiations between major global powers. The Kremlin statement did not elaborate on specific outcomes from the discussions, but analysts speculate that energy security, economic sanctions, and de-escalation of military tensions were among the primary topics covered.
Beyond diplomatic cooperation, Putin and Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed their countries’ commitments to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+). This strategic alliance, which includes both Russia and Saudi Arabia, plays a decisive role in shaping global oil supply and price dynamics.
The conversation between the two leaders came amid fluctuating oil prices and growing uncertainties in global energy markets. Factors such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, shifting production policies in major oil-producing nations, and potential new energy sanctions have contributed to volatility.
As two of the most influential OPEC+ members, Russia and Saudi Arabia have worked closely in recent years to manage production levels, ensuring price stability despite economic and geopolitical pressures. In their phone call, Putin and Mohammed bin Salman reiterated their commitment to coordinated action within OPEC+ to stabilize the market.
Saudi Arabia, as the de facto leader of OPEC, has often taken the lead in adjusting production levels to balance supply and demand. Russia, despite facing Western sanctions over its actions in Ukraine, has remained a key participant in the alliance, seeking to maintain its export revenues while navigating complex geopolitical constraints.
According to energy analysts, the Kremlin’s reaffirmation of its commitment to OPEC+ suggests that Moscow remains focused on sustaining cooperation with Riyadh, especially amid economic sanctions that have pushed Russia to seek alternative trade and diplomatic alliances.
The phone call also underscored the broader strategic relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Over the past decade, bilateral ties have strengthened across multiple domains, including energy, defense, trade, and regional security.
Despite historically aligning with the United States, Saudi Arabia has pursued a more independent foreign policy under Mohammed bin Salman, diversifying its strategic partnerships. This has led to increased cooperation with Russia, particularly in energy policy and investment projects.
The growing alignment between Moscow and Riyadh has been evident in their coordinated efforts to stabilize oil prices, even during periods of economic and political turbulence. Additionally, both nations share common interests in countering Western dominance in global economic affairs, with Russia looking eastward and southward for allies amid sanctions, and Saudi Arabia seeking to assert itself as a global power.
Furthermore, Russia and Saudi Arabia have cooperated in various international forums, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where Riyadh has expressed interest in closer engagement. The phone conversation between Putin and the Saudi Crown Prince highlights their continued strategic alignment, particularly in areas where both countries can leverage their influence to shape global economic and political landscapes.
The phone call between Putin and Mohammed bin Salman signals several important geopolitical shifts. First, it reflects Saudi Arabia’s evolving diplomatic stance, positioning itself as a mediator in global conflicts rather than strictly adhering to traditional Western alliances. The kingdom’s willingness to host Russia-US negotiations suggests an increasing role in global conflict resolution, extending beyond its regional focus.
Secondly, Russia’s reliance on OPEC+ cooperation highlights the continued significance of energy diplomacy. With Western sanctions limiting Russia’s access to traditional markets, maintaining strategic oil partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia is crucial for Moscow’s economic resilience.
Looking ahead, the strengthening Russia-Saudi Arabia partnership could influence broader geopolitical dynamics. As the United States and its European allies continue to apply economic pressure on Russia, Moscow’s deepening ties with energy-rich nations like Saudi Arabia may counterbalance Western efforts to isolate the Kremlin. Additionally, Riyadh’s independent foreign policy approach could reshape the traditional alliances in the Middle East, introducing a more multipolar global order.
