Putin reportedly suggests Trump-Xi summit on Ukraine conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month to discuss ending the Ukraine war, according to the Wall Street Journal. The idea reportedly came during an October 9 call between Putin and Trump, as ties warmed and Washington waived some sanctions on Moscow. The Kremlin confirmed talks about a possible meeting, while a US official said Trump had not agreed but might be open to it; Ukraine's president criticized the sanctions move.
The Journal, relying on people briefed on the talks, reported that Putin raised a possible three-way meeting during an Oct. 9 phone call with Trump. That conversation also led to a diesel purchase arrangement. Moscow has floated holding the talks alongside the APEC gathering in Shenzhen on Nov. 18–19.
Peskov said no firm plan or agenda exists, though all sides see a hypothetical opening. A senior U.S. official said Trump has not committed but might be receptive. Zelenskiy objected to the diesel deal and sanctions relief, arguing they could encourage Putin and extend the war.
A trilateral summit, if it happens, could shift public expectations in Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and China. Ukrainians may worry that sanctions relief and a Moscow-favored outcome weaken their position. Russians might anticipate reduced economic pressure. American and Chinese publics could debate their governments’ roles as mediators. Energy consumers may watch for market effects from the fuel arrangement. Because no agenda or commitment is firm, these consequences remain uncertain.