The Oil Factor in Russian-Saudi Relations at the Present Stage

The article analyzes the role of the oil factor in the development of Russian-Saudi relations at the present stage. It is shown that despite significant geopolitical differences between Moscow and Riyadh on key issues of the Middle East agenda, energy cooperation between the two countries continues to develop progressively. Particular attention is paid to the formation of the OPEC+ format, which has become an effective tool for coordinating the oil policies of the largest hydrocarbon exporters. The main stages of the development of bilateral relations are examined – from the early 2000s, when the parties overcame their first differences, to the COVID-19 pandemic, the beginning of the acute phase of the Ukrainian conflict and the subsequent crisis phenomena in the global oil market. The author emphasizes the special role of personal contacts between the leaders of Russia and Saudi Arabia in resolving emerging contradictions and reaching compromises on regulating oil production volumes. Riyadh’s modern diplomatic strategy demonstrates a multi-vector approach, in which Russia is positioned as an important partner in the energy sector, with significant influence on the global oil market.