A special summit planned by the Kremlin with Arab leaders to promote “cooperation for peace, stability, and security” has been postponed after too few leaders agreed to attend.
Scheduled for Wednesday in Moscow, the event was meant to showcase President Vladimir Putin’s relevance on the world stage and challenge President Trump’s growing influence in the Middle East.
Despite invitations sent to 22 Arab heads of state, only a few—among them Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Arab League’s Secretary-General—confirmed their attendance. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declined to participate.
The Kremlin cited the launch of Trump’s Gaza peace plan as the reason for the delay, but analysts believe Arab leaders are now wary of openly opposing Trump.
