Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a three-way summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss the war in Ukraine, according to a report published on Sunday. The proposed talks could open a new diplomatic channel, but uncertainty remains over whether the meeting will take place and what its agenda would include.
The proposal reportedly aims to advance negotiations towards ending the conflict on terms favourable to Moscow. However, the possibility of discussions involving Russia, the United States and China without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised concerns about Ukraine’s role in decisions affecting its future.
Putin reportedly raised proposal during October 9 call
According to the report, Putin raised the idea during a telephone conversation with Trump on October 9. People familiar with the discussions said Moscow subsequently explored the possibility of holding the meeting alongside the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China.
The APEC summit is scheduled for November 18–19 in Shenzhen. The proposed location could provide an opportunity for the three leaders to meet while attending the same international event, although no final arrangement has been announced.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the possibility of a meeting was being discussed. He indicated that there was not yet a clear understanding of whether the summit would happen or what issues it would cover.
Trump has not formally agreed to the proposed meeting, although a senior US official indicated that the idea could be considered as the administration seeks a way to end the war.
Ukraine’s absence could complicate peace efforts
One of the most sensitive aspects of the proposal is the potential absence of Ukraine from the discussions.
Any agreement concerning the country’s territory, security arrangements or political future would directly affect Kyiv. A meeting among the Russian, American and Chinese leaders without Ukrainian participation could therefore trigger objections from Ukraine and its European partners.
The central challenge would be whether a high-level discussion could create momentum for negotiations while ensuring that any eventual settlement addresses Ukraine’s position and security concerns.
The proposal itself does not establish that an agreement is close or that the parties have settled on terms for ending the conflict.
China could gain a larger diplomatic role
The proposed summit would bring together leaders of three major powers with significant influence over international security and the global economy.
For Beijing, participation could provide an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic influence and potentially position China as an intermediary between Moscow and Washington. However, the extent of China’s involvement would depend on the final agenda and the willingness of all parties to participate.
For Washington, the challenge would be to pursue negotiations without creating the impression that decisions about Ukraine are being made without Kyiv’s consent.
Moscow, meanwhile, would have an opportunity to advance its preferred terms for a settlement. Whether those terms could be reconciled with Ukraine’s demands remains uncertain.
Russia-US energy discussions add another dimension
The reported proposal follows discussions between Putin and Trump about energy supplies. The October 9 telephone conversation reportedly included an arrangement involving Russian diesel fuel for the US market and international distribution.
The discussions come amid shifting diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington and debate over the use of sanctions as leverage in negotiations.
Energy cooperation and peace diplomacy are separate issues, but both could influence the broader relationship between the two governments. Any changes in US policy towards Russia are also likely to be closely watched by Ukraine and European governments.
What happens next?
The immediate question is whether Trump and Xi will agree to participate and whether the three governments can establish a common agenda.
Further diplomatic contacts may clarify the proposed format, but a summit announcement alone would not guarantee progress towards a ceasefire or a lasting peace agreement.
For now, the proposal represents a potential diplomatic initiative rather than a confirmed meeting. The participation of Ukraine, the terms under discussion and the positions of European allies are likely to remain central questions as the discussions develop.
