Watan-The website Aspistrategist discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions in the region and his exploitation of the Gaza war to advance Moscow’s agendas through the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The site states that Putin sees a significant role for Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in implementing Russian strategies by strengthening military, economic, and political influence in the region.

Aspistrategist describes Putin’s visits to the Gulf countries as a second risky adventure, given an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges of committing war crimes in Ukraine.

Putin’s Exploitation of the Gaza War

Through this venture, Putin seeks to expand Russia’s influence in the region. Recently, he visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in an attempt to strengthen ties with the two oil-rich nations.

The Russian president aims to demonstrate that he is not isolated, as portrayed by the West, and chose the UAE and Saudi Arabia because they are not members of the International Criminal Court.

Putin took a similar step when he visited China in October 2023 against the backdrop of the Gaza war and increasing Arab displeasure with the United States.

Moscow is keen on portraying its role as essential on the world stage despite domestic and foreign policy issues, the war in Ukraine, and the Western sanctions imposed as a result.

What does Putin want from the UAE and Saudi Arabia? | @AminSaikal | https://t.co/itqVDziKmi pic.twitter.com/Vll1AfMEW0

— ASPI (@ASPI_org) December 11, 2023

Russian Tactfulness towards Arab Sentiments

Putin has worked to appeal to Arab sentiments by adopting the stance of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representing 57 Islamic countries. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

This move comes despite his good relations with the Israeli occupation and the unofficial understanding allowing Israel to operate freely in Syrian airspace to target Iranian bases, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran-backed militias.

The visit also has economic goals, as Russia and Arab countries seek to raise the price of Brent crude to around $100 per barrel. Riyadh has played a key role in this effort by reducing its oil production by 1.6 million barrels per day.

Russian Economic Ambitions

This stems from the deterioration of the Russian economy and Putin’s need for additional revenues to finance the war in Ukraine and curb domestic anger resulting from the escalating costs of the war and economic downturn.

For this reason, Putin was keen on securing oil and trade deals during his visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to increase revenues. However, according to Aspistrategist, it is unlikely that Russia’s efforts will bear fruit in the region.

The reason is that, like many of their Arab counterparts in the region, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have well-established financial, technological, economic, trade, investment, and security ties with the United States.

Therefore, Russia cannot be trusted as a credible alternative despite Abu Dhabi and Riyadh’s discontent with Washington. However, there is no practical expression of their dissatisfaction, and objections from Saudi Arabia and the UAE are often limited to rhetorical levels. Russia or China is occasionally used as a card to avoid pressure from Washington on issues related to human rights or sentiments against Israeli occupation, as per Aspistrategist.