Moscow/Washington, October 19 (TNA) Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a possible settlement to the war in Ukraine, according to a report citing people familiar with the discussions.
Putin reportedly raised the proposal during a telephone conversation with Trump on October 9. The Kremlin is said to have suggested holding the meeting next month on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19.
The proposed talks would bring together the leaders of Russia, the United States and China to explore a possible end to the four-year-old conflict. Reports said Moscow’s objective would be to pursue an agreement on terms favourable to Russia.
No agreement yet
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions about a possible meeting were underway, but said no final decision had been made on the format or agenda. “There is no clear understanding yet regarding the meeting itself or its potential agenda,” Peskov was quoted as saying, while acknowledging the hypothetical possibility of such a gathering.
A senior US official said Trump had not agreed to attend, although the US president could be receptive to the proposal. It remains unclear whether Xi has formally accepted the idea.
Ukraine’s absence raises concerns
The reported proposal does not include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising concerns that Kyiv could be excluded from negotiations over the future of the country and the terms of any peace agreement.
Any three-way meeting would carry major diplomatic significance, as it would place the leaders of three of the world’s most powerful countries at the centre of discussions over a conflict that has reshaped European security and global relations.
The proposal comes as Washington and Moscow continue exploring possible channels for negotiations, while Russia, Ukraine and their international partners remain divided over territory, security guarantees and the conditions required for a lasting ceasefire.