Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that he, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping meet next month to discuss Ukraine in an effort to negotiate an end to the four-year conflict on terms favorable to Moscow. Individuals familiar with the discussions indicate the plan is designed to capitalize on improving relations between Trump and the Russian leader, a development that has caused anxiety among officials in Kyiv, Washington, and European capitals.
Putin raised the possibility during an October 9 phone call with Trump, according to a former Russian intelligence officer briefed on the matter. That conversation also yielded an agreement for the United States to purchase Russian diesel fuel and facilitate its sale on international markets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that talks regarding a potential meeting are underway, noting that while all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility, no definitive agenda or final arrangements have been established.
A senior U.S. official stated that Trump has not yet agreed to the summit, though he might remain open to the concept given his stated objective to settle the war. The Kremlin has suggested hosting the trilateral dialogue on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. Analysts studying China suggest that holding such discussions on Chinese soil would mark a significant step for Xi in elevating Beijing's status as an international diplomatic mediator.
Russian officials have broached the idea with Beijing through diplomatic channels, and the Chinese side has indicated it would not object provided Trump participates. The White House and the Chinese Embassy in Washington have not issued formal responses to requests for comment. Putin has previously suggested similar trilateral formats, but the current initiative coincides with a shift in Moscow's diplomatic standing with Washington, highlighted by the recent diesel agreement and Trump's decision to temporarily halt impending sanctions against Russia.
At the same time, Trump has expressed growing frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, criticizing recent strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and suggesting that the leadership in Kyiv is obstructing peace efforts. Moscow views the potential three-way format as a way to reinforce its position among global powers and bypass European influence, which the Kremlin regards as a major barrier to its goals in Ukraine. Observers note that while a summit excluding Ukraine could send alarming signals globally, it also presents diplomatic risks for Beijing regarding its economic ties with Europe.