Russia, Ukraine both rebuffed Egypt mediation offers over mutual distrust of Cairo's intentions

Russia and Ukraine have reportedly rebuffed Egyptian offers to mediate between the two parties due to mistrust over Cairo's loyalties.

A former Egyptian diplomat who spoke to The New Arab’s Arabic-language service said that the two countries had responded to mediation offers from other countries but did not comment on Egypt's proposal.

The source said that this was due to Egypt’s alleged failure to take a firm stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been condemned by Europe, the US, and other powers.

"After a long period of silence in which Cairo did not adopt a stance, it suddenly voted in the United Nations General Assembly for a resolution condemning the Russian war. At the same time, it also issued a statement that seemed to be against condemning Russia, which plunged it into foggy territory causing it to lose the confidence of all parties - Russia on one hand, and Western states, America and Ukraine on the other," the source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Egypt's peace proposal came during a call between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

Sisi stressed "the necessity of giving priority to the language of dialogue", and extended Cairo's offer of support in diplomatic efforts,  Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said at the time.

Russia, however, reportedly views Egypt with suspicion, believing that Cairo could switch sides.

"This was clearly expressed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference he held after talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Antalya, Turkey, a few days ago," said the unnamed Egyptian diplomatic source.

The source added that Ukrainians also have no confidence in Cairo, considering it to be quietly on Russia's side.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused a surge in prices of key commodities across the world, with Egypt likely to suffer significantly. Russia and Ukraine are Egypt's largest wheat exporters, with the country importing 6.1 million tonnes of the grain last year. 

The country's tourism sector will also be likely impacted, as Ukrainians, who accounted for 1.46 million visitors in 2021, will likely be prevented from visiting Egypt.