Saudi Arabia’s hosting of top American and Russian officials for a high-stakes rapprochement meeting underlines the kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.

Russia has said the US better understands its position on Ukraine following contentious talks held in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been seeking to score a diplomatic win and boost relations with Washington by hosting the talks, which have been condemned by the Ukrainians for not including them in discussions.