Kremlin calls UAE’s exit from OPEC sovereign decision

Lead

The Kremlin has described the United Arab Emirates' decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ as a sovereign move that Russia respects. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the statement in response to a TASS question, following the UAE's announcement that it will leave the organizations effective May 1, 2026.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, reporting in several articles, has covered the story from multiple angles. One article cited the Emirates state news agency WAM on the UAE's announcement and the reasoning behind it. Another quoted Peskov's comments on the decision. A third report, citing a source familiar with the matter, confirmed that the UAE is leaving and said the alliance would discuss the exit at a June 7 meeting.

The coverage also includes commentary from various officials and experts. Khalil Jahshan, Executive Director of Arab Center Washington DC, called the exit a blow to political harmony. Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council's Committee on International Affairs, suggested the move could trigger a drop in global energy prices, affecting the U.S. economy. Karin Kneissl, former Austrian Foreign Minister and director of the G.O.R.K.I. Center at St. Petersburg State University, argued that OPEC will not be weakened by the departure.

Key Claims

• The UAE announced it is withdrawing from OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, 2026, according to the Emirates state news agency WAM, as reported by TASS.
• The decision reflects the UAE's "long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile," per WAM.
• UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui said the decision is sovereign, made after a thorough review of energy-sector strategies, and noted the global economy will need more fuel in the future.
• Following its exit, the UAE says it will continue to act responsibly, bringing additional production to market gradually, and will continue investing across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions, according to WAM.
• The UAE's exit from OPEC and OPEC+ could lead to increased oil supply and lower prices, according to a diplomatic source in Brussels, who added that this would be beneficial for the EU as a major oil consumer, but also causes concern in Brussels.
• Khalil Jahshan described the decision as a "serious political blow" to OPEC and to political harmony within the Gulf Cooperation Council, suggesting it is "the first expression of the economic and political fallout from the Iran war on the Arab side of the Gulf."
• Vladimir Dzhabarov warned that the exit could trigger a drop in global energy prices, which would be unprofitable for the United States as an oil exporter.
• Karin Kneissl said the decision "will not weaken OPEC," noting that "countries come and go from OPEC," citing past examples like Qatar and Angola.

Perspectives

• Russia: Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "This is a sovereign decision of the United Arab Emirates, and we respect it."
• UAE: Energy Minister Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui said the decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+ "reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision." WAM reported that the UAE will continue to work with partners to develop resources and support economic growth and diversification.
• European Union: A diplomatic source in Brussels expressed concern that the UAE's withdrawal "obviously weakens the oil cartel," leading to increased supply and lower prices, which is beneficial for the EU but also raises concerns about the dismantling of a key organization. Brussels plans to adopt an "observer position."
• Arab Center Washington DC: Khalil Jahshan called the exit "a serious political blow to OPEC as an organization and to political harmony within the Gulf Cooperation Council."
• Federation Council (Russia): Vladimir Dzhabarov said the decision "signals that oil prices may fall, which would be unprofitable for the United States."
• OPEC's resilience: Karin Kneissl argued that OPEC has survived similar situations and that this "will not weaken OPEC," citing historical precedents.