Russian Expert Says United Arab Emirates Could Host President Putin And Donald Trump's Meeting

JAKARTA - Deputy Chancellor for Scientific Affairs at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oleg Krpovich said the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s strong track record in holding high-level meetings could be a potential venue for President Vladimir Putin and United States President-elect Donald Trump.

"During his election campaign, Donald Trump said he would contribute to resolving the Ukraine crisis. The time has come to step to the next stage and fulfill the promises made," Karpovich told TASS, as quoted January 16.

He said Trump had realized the policies taken by US President Joe Biden that would step down had caused a deep crisis in Russia-US relations, making the Caribbean crisis appear like "walks in the park."

"Specific actions need to be taken because the world has become very electrified," said the expert.

On the other hand, Karpovich rejected Switzerland as a possible location for the meeting.

"Switzerland is no longer a neutral country since joining anti-Russian sanctions. This country is no longer a neutral place like it used to be," he explained.

"Thus, Middle Eastern countries will most likely be selected. In this case, the UAE stands out as a viable choice, given its history in facilitating various exchanges, negotiations and consultations. The UAE has a positive track record in organizing such talks," said Krpovich.

karpovich mengingat pernyataan Presiden Putin selama sesi Tanya Jawab Direct Line pada Bulan Desember, saat Ketua Kremlin tersebut menyatakan, jika Trump menya proposing pertemuan, ia akan terbuka untuk membahas berbagai masalah terkait krisis Ukraina.

"Of course, Russia's position is that we will base our actions on the real situation on the ground. Russian troops are moving forward," he concluded.