Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China next month, potentially excluding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The proposed discussions would primarily focus on nuclear disarmament but could also address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters on October 19, Trump expressed his readiness to contribute to ending the war in Ukraine. However, he criticized Zelensky’s negotiation strategies and suggested that another representative should handle talks on Ukraine’s behalf. Trump also defended his decision to relax certain restrictions on Russian diesel exports and to waive new sanctions against Moscow, actions that have drawn criticism from Kyiv for potentially bolstering Russia’s resources amid the conflict.
These remarks came in the wake of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region that resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and injured 15 others. In response, Zelensky condemned the attack and called for stronger Western air defenses and continued sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha cautioned that a meeting between Trump, Putin, and Xi, excluding Ukraine, might embolden Moscow to persist in the conflict. He stressed the importance of Kyiv’s direct involvement in any diplomatic efforts and urged Russia to demonstrate a sincere commitment to peace.
The potential summit is being discussed as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled to occur in Shenzhen, China, in November. Reports suggest that Putin is seeking talks with Trump and Xi to shape a potential settlement to the conflict. While the Kremlin has confirmed discussions about a three-way meeting, no formal proposal or agenda has been set. China has also stated that it lacks information about such a summit.
These diplomatic considerations unfold amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv regarding sanctions, military assistance, and the terms for ending the war. Ukraine maintains that its future cannot be determined without its direct participation in negotiations.