Putin, Saudi Prince hold talks over phone to end Middle East conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on April 1 to discuss measures to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The recent conversation emphasised the need to strengthen political and diplomatic efforts to halt ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

A Kremlin statement said both leaders highlighted the urgency of ending hostilities quickly and pursuing long-term solutions through coordinated diplomatic measures.

The call comes amid heightened regional tensions following Iranian-made drone attacks and Saudi Arabia’s recent air defense agreement with Ukraine.

Since 2022, Ukraine has been countering Russian aggression using Iranian “Shahed” drones—similar to the threat now facing Saudi Arabia. Ukraine has offered technical assistance to Riyadh, proposing cost-effective drone interceptors as an alternative to the kingdom’s expensive missile systems.

Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed also expressed concern over disruptions to energy production and transport caused by the current crisis, warning that it could negatively impact global energy security.