DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s crown prince wasn’t in the room for the first high-level talks between Russia and the United States over Moscow’s war on Ukraine on Tuesday, but Mohammed bin Salman still won the day for hosting the gathering that could be a game-changer in the bloody conflict.

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.

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.