Influential Middle East Leader Woos Russia and China, Testing U.S. Ties

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has positioned the U.A.E. as a friend to all sides since Moscow invaded Ukraine

Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has claimed a leadership role in the geopolitical reordering since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. U.A.E. PRESIDENTIAL COURT/REUTERS

ABU DHABI—Last year, the United Arab Emirates became a hub for Russian money and cut oil production, boosting Moscow’s war chest and drawing protests from Washington. The country’s leader skipped a call from President Biden as the U.S. rallied support for Ukraine. 

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