Saudi Arabia’s ambivalent stance on the Russia-Ukraine war: Balancing regime stability and equal sovereignty

Abstract

This article examines Saudi Arabia’s complex positioning in the Russia-Ukraine war, considering its adherence to the norm of equal sovereignty alongside its foreign-policy determinants. While the kingdom outwardly supported Ukraine’s right to sovereignty following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, its continued cooperation with Russia, notably through OPEC+, paints a different picture. Further complicating matters are Saudi Arabia’s historical and recent encroachments on neighboring states’ sovereignty. The article suggests that these contradictions stem from conflicting foreign-policy objectives, asserting that Saudi Arabia prioritizes regime stability over equal sovereignty. As a result, the kingdom also refrained from joining sanctions against Russia to maintain control over hydrocarbon markets, crucial for regime stability. This underscores Saudi Arabia’s willingness to compromise on principles when its leadership perceives dynastic rule as threatened.