"Putin's Middle East Tour: Navigating Complex Relationships"

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of his rare trip abroad, aiming to strengthen Moscow's global influence. Putin met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE, discussing bilateral cooperation, oil markets, and de-escalation in the Gaza conflict. The visit comes as Putin faces war crimes charges over the invasion of Ukraine but is not subject to arrest in these countries. Putin is set to host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow to further strengthen economic and military ties amid Western sanctions.