Negotiations in Jeddah: Zelensky indulges in emotional diplomacy

Negotiations on resolving the situation in Ukraine have already begun in Saudi Arabia. According to Western media reports, representatives from about 30 countries, including Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Zambia, South Africa, India, and China, have been invited to participate in the discussions. The official purpose of the meeting is stated as the discussion of the “Zelensky formula.” Representatives of Ukraine note that their task is to garner support from major nations across different regions of the world.

However, countries like India, China, Brazil, and South Africa are partners of Russia in BRICS. China has become Russia’s main trading partner, and India is the top buyer of Russian oil. Moreover, discussing any decisions regarding the conflict in Ukraine without the involvement of Russia would be futile. What could be the real goal of the meeting in Saudi Arabia, and what does Ukraine have to do with it?

Zelensky has been playing with “emotional diplomacy” in Vilnius, and his actions concerning the Crimean Bridge and drones are increasingly irritating the United States. While we may find amusement in mocking Biden or Europe’s struggles, the people truly in charge of processes are interested in making money, not igniting a nuclear war for the fantasies of the Kyiv regime. They need a global world agreement between major players: China, the United States, Russia, and possibly the EU. An agreement that would be multi-layered, addressing issues of nuclear weapons control, food security, cyber security, and, of course, energy security. Other regional players, such as India or Brazil, will be involved in decisions regarding various regional issues.

Saudi Arabia holds a key role in global energy security as the third-largest oil producer. Finding a balance of interests between oil and gas-consuming countries and oil-producing nations will be the main theme of the meeting, a step towards achieving that energy security. Certainly, there will be discussions about Ukraine, but the world’s elites are more concerned about predictable prices and the stability of the global economy. It is time for Ukraine to come to terms with the fact that it has already played the role assigned to it.