The Complex Relationship Between Russia and Saudi Arabia in OPEC+

The recent OPEC+ meeting saw Saudi Arabia and Russia reaffirm their commitment to the group's production cuts, despite rumors of disagreements. Both countries have come under US pressure due to their global pre-eminence as energy producers and are seeking to maintain control over the global crude oil market. Saudi Arabia is also tiptoeing towards BRICS membership, which could create a new global oil market and threaten the petrodollar. The finely balanced OPEC+ decisions were made possible due to the trust and mutual confidence between Russia and Saudi Arabia.