Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns about an upcoming summit between Russian, US, and Chinese leaders, warning that it could pave the way for a new division of global influence reminiscent of the 1945 Yalta Conference. Speaking on Wednesday, Zelensky cautioned against what he described as a potential “Yalta 2, 3, 4,” referring to the historic meeting where Allied powers redrew the map of post-World War II Europe.
The summit, reportedly planned to occur on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific meeting next month, would involve Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Official details of the agenda remain unclear. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine views the talks with skepticism, particularly as Russia seeks a comprehensive agreement with Washington on European security, including a halt to NATO’s expansion near Russia’s borders. Moscow has framed its full-scale invasion of Ukraine as a response to NATO threats, a justification widely rejected by Kyiv and Western governments, which label the conflict as an unprovoked land grab.
“Russia wants this meeting more than anyone,” Zelensky said, warning that a diplomatic gathering of this nature could grant Moscow “another major diplomatic advantage.” The Ukrainian leader further stressed the urgency of scheduling an upcoming meeting between Russia, Ukraine, and US envoys, expected to take place in the United Arab Emirates. While the exact date remains unconfirmed, Zelensky called for this meeting to precede the trilateral summit involving China, Russia, and the United States. The talks in Abu Dhabi aim to revive efforts to end what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
In addition to diplomatic initiatives, Zelensky urged the United States to increase deliveries of Patriot missile defense systems, crucial for intercepting the high volume of Russian missile strikes Ukraine endures. He noted that while Ukraine has been receiving about 12 Patriot missiles per month, the country faces attacks that require intercepting approximately 150 ballistic missiles each month.
Kyiv is also pursuing agreements to halt attacks on energy infrastructure ahead of the winter season and seeking a maritime ceasefire to protect grain exports through the Black Sea. However, Russia has rejected proposals for partial ceasefires, insisting that any pause in hostilities must come only as part of a final peace settlement.
Meanwhile, a US-brokered localized ceasefire in southern Ukraine has reportedly held for a second day, raising hopes that essential food and medical supplies will reach isolated civilians. Separately, President Trump announced on Wednesday that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky would be arranged “very soon,” signaling an intensification of diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict, now in its fifth year. Zelensky has previously indicated that a trilateral meeting involving Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv is expected in November to discuss renewed peace negotiations.