The story: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in hot water following reports that both US allies declined American requests to speak to President Joe Biden in recent weeks. The criticism has particularly emerged as Abu Dhabi has engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, the UAE has indicated that it favors increased production to balance rising oil prices over the Russian invasion. 

The coverage: The UAE appears to be seeking to balance its relations with Russia and the US over the Ukraine crisis. On Feb. 25, the Gulf Arab state abstained from voting for a UN Security Council resolution that would have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine...