On 2026-10-09, a phone call took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald J. Trump. Following that, on 2026-10-19, Putin proposed a trilateral meeting involving himself, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The proposal was made in the context of the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen scheduled for the same date.
Trump has not formally agreed to the summit but has indicated openness to the idea, describing his approach to Russia as “a very simple one,” stating he “is in the process of negotiating Peace.”
Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, noted that “there is no clear understanding yet regarding the meeting itself or its potential agenda, although all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility of such a meeting taking place.”
Ukrainian leadership, including Volodymyr Zelensky, has insisted that Ukraine must be a central participant in any peace talks.
Ukraine will defeat Russia.
The proposal has drawn criticism from Ukraine, which views any negotiation that excludes its direct participation as problematic. Ukrainian leadership, including Volodymyr Zelensky, has insisted that Ukraine must be a central participant in any peace talks.
By suggesting a summit with the United States and China, Putin appears to seek to limit European involvement in the negotiations, a development that concerns European countries invested in supporting Ukraine.
Russia’s move also reflects an ambition to enhance its global standing, positioning itself as a key diplomatic actor capable of influencing major international conflicts.
China maintains a neutral stance in the conflict and has hosted the APEC summit in Shenzhen, which could serve as a venue for the trilateral meeting, allowing China to present itself as a location for dialogue.
At present, the trilateral summit remains a hypothetical initiative, reflecting the complex interplay of geopolitical interests surrounding the Ukraine war.
Russia-Ukraine war nears end as Vladimir Putin suggests a summit between himself, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping for a deal to end the Ukraine war. Source: CNBC https://t.co/H3mQIPv0lc