Russian President Vladimir Putin is amplifying a statesmanlike, peace-broker image alongside UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ), even as US President Donald Trump faces pushback from Gulf partners over military options against Iran and appears relegated to the sidelines of a high-stakes regional and Ukraine diplomacy track. Putin is publicly praising the UAE’s growing role in mediating the Russia‑Ukraine war and humanitarian exchanges, using MBZ’s activism to showcase Moscow’s openness to talks while questioning Washington’s confrontational approach and waning influence in the Gulf. ​