Trump Signals Possible China Summit With Putin and Xi, Questions Zelensky’s Role
Donald Trump said he would be willing to meet Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in China next month, possibly without Volodymyr Zelensky. He said the talks would focus mainly on nuclear disarmament but could also cover Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump also defended easing sanctions on Russia and suggested someone other than Zelensky should negotiate for Ukraine, drawing objections from Kyiv.
On Oct. 19, 2026, Trump floated meeting Putin and Xi in China next month, possibly without Zelensky. He said nuclear disarmament would lead the agenda but left open discussing Ukraine and ending the war. He defended easing sanctions and a Russian diesel deal, said Zelensky misunderstood, and suggested another Ukrainian negotiator. Kyiv warned a three-way summit would embolden Putin.
Hours earlier, a Russian drone struck a Kharkiv-region park, killing six civilians, including two children, and injuring 15, seven children. A one-year-old girl and her mother died. Zelensky called it an atrocity and asked for stronger air defenses and continued sanctions.
Trump’s remarks may heighten uncertainty for Ukrainians, especially civilians facing continued attacks, if negotiations appear to proceed without Kyiv’s direct role. Any sanctions easing could affect Russia’s war capacity and global energy markets, while a possible three-way summit may reshape diplomatic expectations. European allies and affected communities could watch closely, since decisions about talks, representation, and sanctions may influence security and humanitarian conditions. Outcomes remain uncertain.