Challenge to Moscow: Russian opposition on Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia

Former State Duma deputy Mark Feygin shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

"The Jeddah summit, which will discuss Zelenskyy's Peace Formula, not any other plan, is a diplomatic challenge to Moscow. Moreover, Moscow was not invited to participate in this summit. This is first, and second, it is important that these are countries of the global south. All the peacekeeping initiatives they have recently launched on the African continent were somehow related to the BRICS summit, China's role, or someone was pushing them in the back, and it was not very significant. But the global south is significant," he emphasized.

According to Mark Feygin, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, and Mexico influence hydrocarbon prices, which affect market stability and profits, and without this component, Russia will sink.

"Both Putin and the Kremlin realize that if this initiative is implemented, and the Americans are involved, they have been invited, it could have the worst possible impact on Moscow's diplomatic and global position. This concern aligns with recent moves by Moscow - initially withdrawing from the agreement and now attempting to return. It might be a response to being sidelined in attempts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. I believe that Putin will return to the agreement, and the West will make more concessions to him, realizing that these concessions will not do anything," the politician added.

He noted that other sanctions against Russia could be eased, in addition to Rosselkhozbank and the reconnection of SWIFT, the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline.

The meeting on Ukraine in Saudi Arabia 

In early August, Saudi Arabia plans to hold peace talks on Ukraine. According to diplomats involved in the discussion, the talks will take place on August 5 and 6 in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia and Ukraine have invited about 30 countries, including the largest EU states, the United States, as well as India, Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico, Chile, and Zambia. Russia was not invited to the summit, as its main topic will be the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which includes a demand for the liberation of the occupied territories that is unacceptable to Moscow.

The Ukrainian President's Office confirmed the summit on the Ukrainian Peace Formula in Saudi Arabia.

"Each point of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula is currently being discussed individually and in groups with representatives of more than 50 countries on an almost weekly basis," Yermak said.

On August 1, media reported that Biden's adviser Sullivan would represent the United States at peace talks in Saudi Arabia.

On August 3, India confirmed its participation in the meeting.

"India will participate in this event (in Saudi Arabia - ed.). Our participation is in line with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

On August 4, China confirmed its participation in the summit. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called it a "historic victory."

Germany also confirmed its participation in the peace summit in Saudi Arabia. Berlin will be represented by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's advisor.