Russia and Abu Dhabi leaders vow 'energy market stability' amid UAE's quiet support for Moscow's Ukraine invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed held a call on energy issues, the UAE's state news agency said, as Moscow continues its bloody bombardment of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

They agreed in a phone call on the "need to maintain the stability of the global energy market," said the news agency WAM, as oil prices surged due to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. 

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed by Putin on "the developments of the crisis with Ukraine", WAM reported.

The call happened as Russia launched a series of devastating bombardments on Ukrainian cities including the capital Kyiv, killing scores of civilians.

A statement by the Kremlin's press service, carried in English by Russian news agency Interfax, also noted that the two men discussed the Ukraine situation.

The UAE - a member of the UN Security Council - was roundly criticised for its refusal to back a US-drafted resolution at the UN last week condemning Russia's assault on Ukraine and calling for Russian troops to withdraw.

The Kremlin's press service meanwhile said the crown prince had also "stated the right of Russia to ensure its national security".

"Vladimir Putin gave a detailed account of the reasons, goals and targets of the Russian special operation," the Kremlin added.

The UAE, like other Gulf nations, has important relations with both Washington and Moscow.

US troops are stationed in the country, but Abu Dhabi also cooperates closely with Russia, particularly as members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil producers.  

The joint vow by Putin and Abu Dhabi to maintain energy market stability comes on the eve of an OPEC+ meeting.

It also comes as the price of a barrel of Brent crude leapt to $104.60 at one stage on Tuesday, closing back in on the 2014 peak of $105.79 that was touched last Thursday as Russia launched its assault on Ukraine.