Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China next month, potentially excluding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from the discussions. Trump indicated that the primary focus of the meeting would be on nuclear disarmament, although the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could also be addressed.
During a conversation with reporters on October 19, Trump stated his readiness to assist in ending the conflict but questioned Zelensky’s approach to negotiations. He suggested that another representative might be more effective in negotiating for Ukraine. This statement comes amidst tensions following a recent Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, which resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and injuries to 15 others. Zelensky condemned the attack and urged for stronger Western air defenses and continued sanctions against Russia.
Trump also defended his decision to ease certain restrictions on Russian diesel exports and to waive new sanctions against Moscow. These actions have drawn criticism from Kyiv, which fears that such measures could provide Russia with additional revenue while the war continues. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Xi without Ukraine’s involvement could embolden Moscow to persist in its military actions. He emphasized that any meaningful diplomatic effort must include Kyiv directly and called on Russia to show a genuine commitment to peace.
The proposed summit aligns with reports that Putin is seeking talks with Trump and Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. Moscow is reportedly interested in discussions that could contribute to a resolution of the conflict. However, the Kremlin has stated that while the possibility of a three-way meeting has been discussed, no formal proposal or agenda has been established. China has also indicated that it has no information about such a summit.
These diplomatic discussions arise amidst growing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over sanctions, military assistance, and the conditions for ending the war. Ukraine maintains that its future cannot be determined without its direct involvement in negotiations, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolve the ongoing conflict.