President Donald Trump has commenced a four-day tour of Gulf states, beginning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, notably surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This visit follows recent indications from both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin about a willingness to engage in dialogue, with a potential meeting scheduled in Istanbul on May 15. Zelensky publicly committed to attending the meeting, stating, 'I will be there.

I will wait for Putin.' The Kremlin has responded by noting that Putin will travel when he deems it necessary.

While en route from Riyadh to Doha, Trump expressed his readiness to travel to Turkey for the talks, contingent upon Putin's presence.

The context of this visit is underscored by the ongoing discourse about ceasefires in Ukraine.

Discussions have centered around proposed ceasefires declared through media announcements, lacking detailed agreements or methods of enforcement.

As experts highlight, previous ceasefires have little real substance, raising concerns about their implementation.

Amidst these developments, Putin has proposed direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, potentially in Istanbul, leading analysts to question the dynamics of such high-level encounters.

During his visit, Trump signed an economic agreement with Saudi Arabia valued at $600 billion, focusing on investments across energy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence sectors.

This agreement comes alongside the anticipated lifting of sanctions on Syria, reflecting a strategic pivot that intertwines business initiatives with political objectives.

Analysts noted the historical implications of U.S. economic strategies, particularly the so-called Washington Consensus and neoliberal economic policies, which have significantly affected developing nations and their industrial capacities.

Significantly, Trump's outreach to Saudi Arabia and the bypass of Israel has drawn attention.

Analysts suggest that this move may signify a cooling of U.S.-Israeli relations, particularly noting that Israeli leaders rejected U.S. proposals regarding Gaza, which may not have been well-received by Trump.

Despite concerns of fraying ties, experts emphasize that Israel remains strategically vital in U.S. interests in the Middle East, especially concerning oil security and alliances with Gulf states.

As events unfold, the intricate balance of relationships in the region continues to evolve, with the U.S. keenly interested in maintaining a foothold amid shifting geopolitical landscapes and the influence of major players such as Russia.