Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) surprised its Western allies last week when it absented itself from the United Nations Security Council on a US resolution condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. decided to stay. The move by the UAE marked the declaration of neutrality by one of America’s closest Middle East allies in a war that has polarized the international community. Adviser to the UAE President says taking sides will only lead to more violence. The priority of the UAE is to encourage all parties to engage in dialogue to find a political solution.
War broke out in Ukraine, less than two months after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became a member of the Security Council. The UAE’s stand on Ukraine reflects how Gulf countries are trying to balance their ties between their traditional allies and new partners. It is also clear from this that America has been facing a lot of difficulties in getting its allies to clearly condemn the attack of Russia. On Tuesday, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin that the UAE has called for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis. Which guarantees the interests and national security of all parties. He also discussed energy cooperation with Putin.
Not only UAE but other Arab states have also refrained from condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Saudi Arabia also considers Russia as its main partner in the OPEC+ alliance, the Organization of the Oil Producing Countries. It also said on Tuesday that it supports international efforts to de-escalate in Ukraine. The Arab League also called for de-escalation and restraint in a joint communique on Monday but did not condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
In this regard, Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, Professor of Political Science in the UAE, said that the UAE should no longer be seen as a puppet of America. The UAE does not take orders from Washington. He removed Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels from America’s list of terrorist organizations. Less than a year later, the Houthis launched deadly attacks on Abu Dhabi. Although the US has promised to strengthen the security of the UAE, Abu Dhabi wants the Houthis to be reinstated on the list of terrorist organizations.
Let us tell you that in December itself, the UAE stopped negotiations for a $ 23 billion deal with the US to buy F-35 fighter jets. Then only last month, he announced that he was going to buy fighter jets from China for the first time. At first trade between the UAE and Russia was modest, but since 1997 it has increased tenfold. Looking at all these incidents, it can be clearly assumed that America’s influence in the Middle East is decreasing.
