Russia-Ukraine crisis

People hold placards as they ride in a convoy of vehicles during a rally held by relatives and friends of Ukrainian prisoners of war, as they call for their exchange with Russian prisoners, in Kyiv on March 9, 2025.

UAE brokers Ukraine-Russia swap for 350 prisoners: What we know

The Emirati mediation follows Saudi Arabia's hosting talks on the war and the UAE boosting its ties with Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 10.

Analysis

Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump

Ahead of Ukraine's high-stakes negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war with the US on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.

Jennifer Gnana

By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana

Two giant election banners showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands with US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin and a caption reading "Netanyahu, in another league," Tel Aviv, July 28, 2019.

Analysis

Wary of Turkey and Iran, Israel tightens ties with Russia: What to know

Regional shifts, especially involving Iran, Syria and Turkey, are forcing Israel to reevaluate its complicated relations with Russia.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, speaks to the press outside of the White House on March 6, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Saudi Arabia to host US-Ukraine talks on ending war with Russia

A US delegation is set to be in Saudi Arabia next week, as confirmed by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in an effort to establish an initial ceasefire as well as a framework for a future peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

Latest News

Analysis

Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline

Voladymyr Zelenskyy meets with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 17, 2025.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

After Istanbul meeting, what role for Turkey in a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands after attending a joint press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Feb. 18, 2025.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

In Qatar, Russia's Lavrov rejects European force in Ukraine, pushes for Syria access

Lavrov and Thani

After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov looks on as he attends a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Ankara on February 24, 2025. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP) (Photo by ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shakes hands with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov in Tehran: Russia seeks leverage in US-Iran standoff

The Iranian foreign minister addressed the issue after talks with his Russian counterpart, amid worries in Tehran that Moscow's recent closeness with Washington may undermine Iran's interests.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Feb. 24, 2025.

Lavrov in Turkey, praises Trump as Ankara offers to host Russia-Ukraine talks

As Ankara seeks a role in potential Ukraine-Russia peace talks, the top Russian diplomat paid a visit to Turkey less than a week after the Ukrainian president's trip to Ankara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds flowers next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they meet at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 30, 2020. (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MAXIM SHEMETOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Will US-Russia rapprochement increase odds of Israel striking Iran?

Israeli leaders hope the thaw in relations will lead Moscow to stem strategic cooperation with Tehran, leaving Iran vulnerable to an attack on its nuclear facilities after a US green light.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) walks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as they meet at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 19, 2025.

UAE conveys frustrations to US' top diplomat Rubio over Gaza, Ukraine

Arab states have grown increasingly frustrated over the US administration's rhetoric about displacing 2.1 million Gazans from the enclave.

United Arab Emirates

A US Air Force B-52 aircraft in Sakhir, Bahrain, on Nov. 13, 2024.

Pentagon sends B-52 bombers over Middle East as US aims to pressure Iran

The US military signals continuity in the region as Saudi Arabia hosts Trump’s push for a dramatic reset with Russia over the Ukraine war.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

TOPSHOT - (L to R) US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Riyadh's Diriyah Palace on February 18, 2025. Top US and Russian diplomats were meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks on res

US-Russia talks conclude in Saudi Arabia, most high-level meeting since 2023: What to know

The US State Department said one purpose of the talks was to “reestablish” bilateral relations with Russia as Saudi Arabia seeks to mediate between the two.

Zelenskyy Erdogan

Ukraine's Zelenskyy postpones visit to Saudi Arabia in apparent snub to US

The move comes as direct talks between the United States and Russia are ongoing in Riyadh that the Ukrainian president described as a surprise to his country.

Zelenskyy

UAE, Ukraine finalize trade deal during Zelenskyy's visit

The agreement is expected to contribute $369 million to the UAE’s GDP and $874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031.

United Arab Emirates

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L)

Zelenskyy heads to Turkey to meet with Erdogan amid US-Russia talks

The Ukrainian president's visit to Turkey will coincide with US-Russia talks on a potential ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Air Force One upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on May 20, 2017. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Where US-Saudi ties stand as Trump eyes kingdom for Russia summit

Saudi Arabia could host a meeting between the president and his Russian counterpart on the Ukraine war as investment ties grow and Trump helps move along the LIV Golf-PGA Tour merger.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud meets with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in AlUla, Saudi Arabia January 26, 2025. Saudi Press Agency

Analysis

Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade

On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sign a strategic partnership treaty during a ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on Jan. 17, 2025.

Analysis

Iran-Russia deal signed: Does it secure Tehran's geopolitical interests?

Iran has long sought an alliance to protect it in the face of potential conflict with adversaries, but the text of the agreement falls short of obligating either party to provide military support in the event of foreign aggression.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics