Emir of Qatar arrives in Moscow to talk with Putin about Ukraine

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in Moscow today, April 17, for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders of the countries will discuss the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, Reuters reports.

The Kremlin has called Al Thani’s visit “very important.”

Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that the leaders will have a “serious conversation” covering a wide range of issues and will sign a number of agreements.

"It is difficult to overestimate the role of Qatar as a whole now in many regional and even world affairs," Peskov noted.

He also added that Russian-Qatari relations are developing dynamically and that contacts between the heads of state are fairly frequent.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, told Russian media that the emir’s talks with Putin will address Ukraine, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and energy, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Qatar’s mediation

Qatar has repeatedly attempted to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine and has also assisted in the return of children from both countries who were separated from their parents during the war.

This week, Russia and Qatar confirmed that their leaders will discuss efforts to reach a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

US mediation

The US is also seeking to play a leading role as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia in efforts to end the war. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to “put an end to the bloodshed,” though no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

Last week, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks reportedly lasted nearly five hours.

Witkoff described the negotiations with the Kremlin leader as “compelling” and stated that they discussed “steps that could bring an end to the war in Ukraine.”

Later, The Wall Street Journal reported that several advisors to President Trump urged him to be more cautious about Moscow’s statements regarding a ceasefire.

Nevertheless, Trump “continues to side with envoy Steve Witkoff, who believes that Putin wants peace after having met with him twice in Moscow.” 

Story by Kateryna Shkarlat: RBC Ukraine