Russian President Vladimir Putin, largely confined to the Kremlin due to western restrictions, on December 6 dramatically set out on whirlwind tours to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in one day. The next day, he received Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow. And on December 8, Mr. Putin announced that he would be standing for elections in 2024, affirming that he would be leading Russia at least up to 2030 and possibly beyond.
Talks in the Gulf
Mr. Putin’s visit to the Gulf was marked by considerable pomp on the part of the hosts and affirmations of mutual goodwill and camaraderie. The UAE ruler, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, spoke of the “importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation”, while Mr. Putin told his Saudi host that “nothing can prevent the development of our friendly relations”.
