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Russia has proposed bringing the American, Chinese and Russian presidents together in November to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, but no agreement has been reached and the possibility of excluding Kyiv has raised concerns about its role in peace negotiations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a summit with President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, potentially bringing together the leaders of three major powers without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The proposal, first raised during an Oct. 9 telephone conversation between Putin and Trump, could result in talks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for Nov. 18-19.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Putin introduced the idea during discussions that also led to an agreement involving American purchases of Russian diesel fuel and efforts to facilitate Russian petroleum exports.
A former Russian intelligence officer briefed on the conversation provided details of the proposal, while Kremlin officials subsequently acknowledged that discussions about a possible meeting were underway.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the talks remain preliminary.
“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,” Peskov told the Journal.
No formal invitation has been announced, and Trump has not agreed to participate. A senior American official indicated that the president could consider attending as part of his continuing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The Kremlin has reportedly approached Beijing through diplomatic channels, with Chinese representatives signaling that they would not oppose the meeting if Trump agreed to participate.
The possible gathering would coincide with the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, providing an opportunity for the three presidents to meet alongside an established international event.
However, the reported format would exclude Zelenskyy, whose government has repeatedly maintained that Ukraine must participate in negotiations determining its territory, security arrangements and political future.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the prospect of negotiations without Kyiv, warning that excluding Ukraine from decisions concerning the war could encourage further Russian aggression.
Peskov acknowledged Monday that Ukrainian participation would be necessary for any final peace settlement, while maintaining that Moscow values Washington’s mediation efforts. <Cite ref=”turn473080news24″/>
The proposal comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, accompanied by disagreements over sanctions and the economic consequences of the war.
Earlier this month, Trump and Putin reached an arrangement involving Russian diesel fuel purchases intended to alleviate pressure on global energy supplies.
The agreement followed increases in international fuel prices associated with the conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted petroleum markets and raised transportation costs.
Trump subsequently waived major sanctions against Russia under legislation enacted in September, drawing criticism from lawmakers who argue that restrictions on Moscow should remain in place until Russia agrees to meaningful concessions.
Administration officials have defended the decision as a measure intended to balance energy security concerns with diplomatic efforts to bring the war to an end.
A senior White House official told the Journal that Trump concluded there were few other immediate options available to reduce diesel prices.
Energy analysts, however, have questioned whether additional Russian fuel supplies would significantly lower global prices, particularly while disruptions associated with the Iran conflict continue.
Trump defended his approach Sunday, arguing that additional sanctions could undermine negotiations.
“I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don’t want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The president also maintained that Moscow was providing relatively limited assistance to Iran and suggested that preserving that restraint was important to American interests.
His comments followed criticism from Zelenskyy, who has argued that easing economic pressure on Russia without corresponding commitments to peace could encourage Putin to continue military operations.
The war, now in its fifth year, has caused extensive destruction across Ukraine, with Russian forces continuing to target cities, energy infrastructure and military positions.
Despite repeated diplomatic initiatives, Moscow and Kyiv remain divided over territorial control, security guarantees and the conditions required for a ceasefire.
Russia continues to occupy portions of eastern and southern Ukraine, while Kyiv maintains that any settlement must protect Ukrainian sovereignty and prevent renewed military aggression.
The proposed summit could also expand China’s diplomatic involvement.
Beijing has maintained significant economic relations with Moscow throughout the war while presenting itself as a potential participant in international peace efforts.
China has previously proposed principles for resolving the conflict, although Ukrainian officials and several Western governments have questioned whether Beijing’s approach adequately addresses Russia’s responsibility for the invasion.
Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center, told the Journal that hosting such a meeting could strengthen China’s international diplomatic standing.
“China wants to be seen as the pivot of the great powers, and potentially as a mediator between the U.S. and Russia,” Sun said.
A meeting involving Trump, Putin and Xi would also carry significance beyond Ukraine, potentially creating an opportunity for discussions involving trade, sanctions and broader relations among the three governments.
However, the prospect of major powers discussing Ukraine’s future without its president has raised concerns among European officials and supporters of Kyiv.
Any agreement affecting Ukrainian territory or national security would ultimately require Ukraine’s participation and acceptance to become a durable settlement.
Trump has previously expressed interest in reaching a negotiated conclusion to the war, while Putin has repeatedly emphasized Moscow’s demands concerning territorial arrangements and Ukraine’s future security relationships.
The proposed November meeting remains uncertain, with no confirmation that all three presidents have agreed to attend or that a specific negotiating agenda has been established.
For now, the Kremlin’s initiative represents another attempt to bring Washington and Moscow into direct discussions about ending the war, with China’s potential participation adding a new diplomatic dimension.
Whether those conversations lead to substantive negotiations will depend in part on Trump’s decision, Beijing’s willingness to host the meeting and the unresolved question of Ukraine’s participation.
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