[Liyadh, Photo Credit to Pixabay]

The recent conference held in Riyadh brought together senior officials from the United States and Russia, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Russia was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.

Discussions centered on potential pathways to end the conflict in Ukraine, restore diplomatic relations, and explore avenues for economic collaboration, particularly in Arctic energy projects.

However, beyond its formal agenda, the conference held deeper strategic significance for all three nations, each aiming to leverage the meeting for its own geopolitical and economic goals.

Saudi Arabia has long sought to assert itself as the dominant power in the Middle East, a vision reflected in its ambitious modernization plans such as Vision 2030.

The kingdom’s expanding global influence is evident in its diplomatic efforts, including its role in hosting critical discussions on international conflicts.

By facilitating negotiations between two rival global powers, Saudi Arabia aims to bolster its reputation as a neutral mediator.

This not only amplifies Riyadh’s influence in global security and economic affairs but also helps it secure diplomatic leverage with both Washington and Moscow.

Balancing its relationships with these two nations allows Saudi Arabia to extract economic and security commitments while maintaining its strategic autonomy.

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Russia has faced increasing economic and political isolation, particularly from Western nations that have imposed strict sanctions.

The conference in Riyadh provided Moscow with a rare opportunity to engage in high-level discussions with the U.S. in a setting that was not dominated by Western allies.

Russia’s primary objective in these talks was to negotiate some form of economic relief, particularly regarding sanctions that have severely impacted its economy.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement that the talks were "very useful" suggests that progress may have been made in easing some of these restrictions.

Beyond tangible outcomes, participating in Saudi-hosted talks allows Russia to demonstrate that it is not entirely isolated on the world stage.

By engaging in direct diplomatic discussions with the U.S., Russia hopes to portray itself as a legitimate actor in global negotiations, countering the narrative that it has become a pariah state.

For the United States, the conference served as an opportunity to shape potential diplomatic resolutions to the war in Ukraine, ensuring that all agreements align with Western interests.

Engaging in direct discussions with Russia also reinforces the U.S. position as a global leader in diplomacy.

Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia remains another critical objective for Washington.

Saudi Arabia remains a key player in global energy markets, regional security, and counterterrorism efforts.

By fostering closer ties, the U.S. can ensure continued cooperation in these areas, which are vital to its geopolitical strategy.

Moreover, engaging in negotiations with Russia allows Washington to maintain a level of control over diplomatic efforts related to Ukraine, preventing Moscow from gaining too much influence in shaping the narrative of the conflict.

This also reassures  European allies that the U.S. remains steadfast in its role as a peacemaker and strategic counterbalance to Russia.

The United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia collectively produce about 40% of the world’s oil, with the U.S. leading at 15.6% and the other two nations contributing 12% each.

Given their dominance in global energy production, any agreement or policy shifts emerging from this conference could have significant ramifications for oil prices.

By influencing oil prices and possibly easing restrictions on Russian oil exports, the U.S. could indirectly counter China’s relative advantage in energy acquisition.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, China has been purchasing Russian oil at discounted rates due to reduced demand from Europe and Western nations.

If Russian oil exports are restructured or redirected, it could limit China's access to cheap energy, affecting Beijing’s economic strategy.

Beyond the realm of oil, this conference highlighted the complex interplay among the three nations in global economy and politics.

Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a key player in global diplomacy, Russia seeks relief from economic constraints, and the U.S. works to maintain its strategic advantage.

The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape international relations and energy markets in the near future.