Amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China. The proposed summit, potentially excluding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is expected to focus on nuclear disarmament and may also address Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Trump’s comments came during a conversation with reporters on October 19, where he emphasized his readiness to contribute to ending the conflict but criticized Zelensky’s negotiation strategy, suggesting an alternative representative should engage on Ukraine’s behalf.
The backdrop to Trump’s statements includes a recent Russian drone strike in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, which resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and injured 15 others. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack and called for enhanced Western air defenses and continued sanctions against Russia. Meanwhile, Trump defended his controversial decision to ease certain restrictions on Russian diesel exports and to waive new sanctions against Moscow, despite criticism from Kyiv over the potential for these measures to financially benefit Russia amid the conflict.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed concern that a meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Xi without Ukraine’s direct participation could embolden Moscow to perpetuate the war. He emphasized that any substantive diplomatic efforts should include Kyiv and urged Russia to show genuine commitment to peace. The notion of the summit follows reports that Putin is seeking discussions with Trump and Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, scheduled for November in Shenzhen, China. The Kremlin confirmed discussions about a possible three-way meeting but noted that no formal proposal or agenda had been established. China also stated it had no information on such a summit.
The potential diplomatic talks arise amid growing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv concerning sanctions, military aid, and conditions for resolving the war. Ukraine remains steadfast in its stance that its future should not be decided without its direct involvement in negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of being part of any discussions that could influence the outcome of the conflict.