Trump Turns to Saudi Prince for Ukraine Peace Deal

In a bold move, President Donald Trump has turned to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to help broker peace in the ongoing Ukraine war. His decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global diplomacy. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of negotiations that exclude key stakeholders like Ukraine and European nations. With the war approaching its third anniversary, Trump’s unconventional diplomatic strategy has drawn both support and criticism.

Saudi Arabia’s Unexpected Role in the Peace Talks

As fighting continues, both Ukraine and Russia face mounting losses. Despite this, Trump has chosen Riyadh as the venue for initial peace discussions between the U.S. and Russia. This decision has sparked controversy because it bypasses traditional locations like Geneva, which has long been a hub for international diplomacy. Many believe Trump’s choice signals a shift in global power dynamics, with Saudi Arabia playing a more prominent role.

Saudi Arabia’s involvement is strategic. Trump sees MBS as a key ally and wants to boost the crown prince’s global standing. The move also helps counter China’s growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy. By positioning Saudi Arabia at the center of these talks, Trump hopes to strengthen U.S.-Saudi relations while also addressing broader regional issues, including the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ukraine and Europe Left Out of Talks

The exclusion of Ukraine and European allies has raised major concerns. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly opposes any deal made without his country’s involvement. He insists that Ukraine must be part of any peace process, arguing that no agreement can succeed if the people directly affected are absent.

European leaders have echoed these concerns. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in negotiations, calling for strong security guarantees to ensure long-term peace. Without Ukraine at the table, critics argue, these talks could be seen as U.S.-Russia negotiations rather than true peace efforts. The move has also raised concerns about the return of big-power politics, where major nations make deals while smaller states await the outcome.

Trump’s Motives Go Beyond Ukraine

Trump’s decision to engage MBS in these talks appears to serve multiple objectives. Beyond ending the Ukraine war, he is also considering economic and political factors.

Reports suggest Trump has a strong interest in Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which are essential for technology and defense industries. By playing a role in the peace process, he could gain influence over Ukraine’s valuable resources, a move that may align with his America First economic agenda.

Additionally, the choice of Riyadh as the negotiation venue helps MBS restore his international reputation. The Saudi leader has faced criticism over human rights concerns, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Hosting such high-level talks positions him as a key power broker on the world stage.

Trump also sees an opportunity to reshape Middle East diplomacy. His administration previously brokered the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. By involving Saudi Arabia in peace talks, Trump aims to expand Saudi influence and potentially bring Israel and Saudi Arabia closer to a formal agreement.

International Reactions: Caution and Criticism

The global response to Trump’s diplomatic maneuver has been mixed. European leaders feel sidelined, prompting calls for increased defense spending and greater military independence from the U.S..

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised Trump’s efforts to broker peace but criticized Europe for its lack of action. He urged European nations to take a more proactive role in their own security, rather than relying on U.S. leadership. Some analysts see this as a turning point in European defense strategy, pushing the EU toward greater military self-reliance.

Others argue that Trump’s approach revives a 19th-century model of diplomacy, where major powers negotiate over smaller nations without their direct input. The decision to exclude Ukraine raises ethical concerns about sovereignty and self-determination. Critics warn that a deal without Ukraine’s approval could undermine its legitimacy and lead to further instability.

Saudi-U.S. Economic Interests: A Key Factor

Beyond diplomacy, economic incentives play a significant role in Trump’s decision. MBS has pledged to increase Saudi investments in the U.S. by at least $600 billion over the next four years. This aligns with Trump’s business-first approach to foreign relations. Strengthening U.S.-Saudi ties could bring major economic benefits, particularly in energy, defense, and infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia also holds one of the world’s largest oil reserves. As global energy markets remain volatile, closer ties between Washington and Riyadh could help stabilize oil prices and ensure energy security for the U.S. Trump’s decision to deepen economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia highlights his preference for transactional diplomacy, where financial benefits often shape foreign policy decisions.

Criticism of Trump’s Strategy

Trump’s foreign policy style has always been unconventional and transactional. His reliance on personal relationships with world leaders raises concerns about conflicts of interest. Some critics argue that economic gains seem to take precedence over long-term stability and ethical considerations.

His close ties with MBS have also sparked debate. Many fear that Trump’s diplomacy blurs the lines between personal business and national policy. By prioritizing deals with leaders like MBS and Vladimir Putin, he risks weakening traditional alliances with Europe and NATO.

Opponents argue that diplomacy requires more than financial incentives. They stress the need for strong alliances, trust-building, and inclusivity in peace talks. Without Ukraine’s direct participation, they question whether any agreement can truly bring lasting peace.

What Comes Next?

The success of these negotiations remains uncertain. Many factors will shape their outcome, including Ukraine’s response, the stance of European allies, and the dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit will be a critical moment. The world will be watching closely to see if Trump can secure a meaningful peace deal or if the talks will be seen as another political maneuver. Saudi Arabia’s role in these negotiations also signals a shift in global power structures, with Riyadh emerging as a key mediator in international conflicts.

As Trump pushes forward, skepticism remains high. Whether this diplomatic gamble pays off or backfires will shape global politics for years to come.