"Putin's Gulf Tour: Strengthening Russia's Influence in the Middle East"

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in an effort to bolster Moscow's influence in the Middle East. Putin discussed energy cooperation, the conflict in the Middle East, and the "Ukrainian crisis" during his talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE, despite being a U.S. ally, has close ties with Russia and greeted Putin with pageantry. In Saudi Arabia, Putin met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and suggested the creation of a joint company dealing with mineral fertilizers. Putin aims to position Russia as a power broker in the Middle East and challenge U.S. diplomacy, particularly in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The visit comes amid concerns over the Israel-Hamas war, attacks by Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen, and Iran's advancing nuclear program.