UAE Foreign Minister In Moscow For Talks w/ Lavrov

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is in Moscow for bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

• Livestream of presser here: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1kvKpAnkQAOGE
• UAE is trying to tread a fine line between Russia and the West. On one hand it does not want to jeopardise long-term relations with Russia by condemning the invasion of Ukraine or imposing sanctions. However, it also does not want to damage relations with the West, especially when there has been a notable improvement in interactions with the US following the signing of the Abraham Accords.
• Biden administration not as close with UAE or its GCC allies as the Trump White House was. UAE could risk the imposition of sanctions or penalties on itself if it is viewed to be aiding or abetting Russian gov't in the wake of the Ukraine invasion.
• However, amidst soaring energy costs the West wants UAE (among others) onside in order to increase oil production. The West's divestment from Russian O&G could improve UAE's hand, allowing the country to continue to maintain relations w/ West and Russia simultaneously.