Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a trilateral summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping aimed at negotiating a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the suggested meeting might take place in mid-November, potentially in Shenzhen, China, marking a significant diplomatic effort involving the three powers.
Putin initiated the proposal during a phone conversation with Trump on October 9, with subsequent talks reportedly ongoing. Kremlin officials confirmed discussions about the summit but stated no formal agreement on its objectives or agenda has been reached. Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official noted that Trump has not yet committed to the idea but might consider it in line with his previous campaign promises to expedite an end to the Ukraine war.
The proposed summit, which would exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has raised concerns in Washington, European capitals, and Kyiv. Western officials fear that sidelining Ukraine risks undermining the support and pressure maintained on Russia amid ongoing military confrontations. The idea has sparked unease within the U.S. political sphere, notably among Republican candidates facing scrutiny over their positions on Russia ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
From Moscow’s perspective, the summit is viewed as an opportunity to solidify Russia’s role as a global diplomatic power broker and to advance a settlement favoring its territorial gains in Ukraine. Russian officials reportedly hope the meeting could echo a historic precedent like the Yalta Conference, potentially allowing a redivision of geopolitical spheres of influence between the great powers. However, analysts generally consider such ambitions unrealistic.
For China, hosting the summit aligns with its broader desire to position itself as a central mediator among major world powers. Some Chinese analysts see the gathering as a chance for Beijing to enhance its diplomatic profile, although Chinese officials express caution about deepening their involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Beijing’s delicate balancing act involves supporting Russia while maintaining vital economic ties with Europe and avoiding excessive entanglement in the war. There are also concerns in Taiwan and elsewhere that such great-power negotiations might set a precedent for bargaining over other regional disputes.
The trilateral summit proposal comes amid a backdrop of shifting international dynamics, including a recent easing of tensions between Moscow and Washington. This shift involves actions such as a Russian diesel agreement and the suspension of certain sanctions, moves that have drawn bipartisan criticism in the U.S. The exclusion of European nations from the proposed talks underscores Russia’s view of Europe as a key obstacle to a diplomatic outcome favorable to Moscow.
As deliberations continue, the international community is watching closely to see whether the summit will materialize and what implications it could have for the future of the Ukraine conflict and global power relations.