Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, offering to discuss energy cooperation, the Middle East conflict, and the Ukrainian crisis. Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the war in Ukraine. The UAE has close ties with Russia and serves as a key avenue for Russia to bypass Western sanctions. Putin aims to boost Russia's profile as a power broker in the Middle East and challenge the US. He meets with Iranian President Raisi and participates in international efforts to negotiate a settlement to the Israel-Hamas war.