Global Outlook

The meeting between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and Vladimir Putin, presidents of the UAE and Russia, which took place on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, marked the start of Emirati mediation in the Ukraine war. The immediate objective of this mediation is to ensure that the conflict de-escalates as the first step toward a long-term diplomatic solution. According to analysts, Emirati mediation is likely to be perceived as sincere because Abu Dhabi has so far refrained from pledging loyalty to any of the opposing parties. They emphasise how fascinating this situation is made the more so by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed's ongoing cordial relationships with the combatants and desire to actively take part in the mediation process. As the conflict threatens civilians and nuclear installations and seems to be getting out of hand, the world's capitals are likely to back the Emirati strategy. Following his meeting with Putin, Sheikh Mohammed posted on Twitter, "We discussed numero...