Trump Open to Trilateral Summit With Putin and Xi on Ukraine War

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is open to holding a trilateral Ukraine summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, an idea proposed by Moscow that could bring the three leaders together on the sidelines of next month’s APEC summit in China. Trump made the remarks to reporters outside the White House on 20 October, saying he would attend “if they would like to have it” — but he stressed that nuclear disarmament, not the war itself, would be his reason for going.

Speaking before departing for Kansas, Trump told reporters he would readily meet the Russian and Chinese leaders. “Anything I can do to end the war, whether somebody’s there or not, whatever I could do to end the war,” he said. He suggested the gathering could take place in China, where he is expected to travel next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and hold talks with Xi on the sidelines.

Putin’s Proposal and the Kremlin’s Careful Response

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Putin had proposed the meeting to discuss how to end the conflict in Ukraine. Asked about the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that the topic had indeed come up in talks, given that all three leaders may attend the summit in China next month.

“Given that all three heads of state may potentially take part in the summit in China, the subject of such a hypothetical meeting was indeed raised. It was raised, but no specific proposals or agreements were discussed or put forward by anyone, either regarding the meeting itself or the possible agenda and content of that meeting,” Peskov said, according to Reuters. He added that it was “obvious” Ukraine would need to be involved in any final peace deal, noting that “a final settlement is impossible without the participation of someone in Kyiv who is prepared to take responsibility.”

Why the Trilateral Ukraine Summit Would Focus on Nuclear Arms

Trump made clear his own agenda for a three-way meeting would be very different from Moscow’s. “I would do it — not so much for Ukraine, because Russia, frankly, has been fine on Ukraine,” he told reporters. “We would have it to talk about nuclear weapons and denuclearisation.”

“And they do want to have a meeting. That’s my suggestion, because I’m going to be over in China in November, on the denuclearisation. And if we can do denuclearisation, I will have done the world a big, big favour,” Trump added. He said trade and other topics could also come up, noting: “If President Xi wants to have it, I’d have it. I’m sure we would talk about other things like trade too.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Sunday, speaking in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, that Putin had proposed the meeting, adding that nothing had been finalised.

Zelenskyy Criticised, Kyiv Rejects the Format

Trump also sharpened his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s handling of the conflict, suggesting it was time for someone else to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf. “To be honest, I think it is time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine,” Trump said, arguing that “very little land has moved” while many lives had been lost.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected the proposed format on social media. “A trilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, and Russia could help end the war sooner. A trilateral meeting between the leaders of Russia, China, and the US would do only the opposite: encourage Putin to continue this war,” he wrote.

The remarks come as the Trump administration continues its mediation efforts while also facing criticism at home over a 60-day waiver of sanctions measures against Russia, which some lawmakers have questioned.

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Conclusion

A trilateral summit between the United States, Russia and China would be an extraordinary diplomatic moment — but it remains only a proposal. With the Kremlin saying no concrete plans exist, Washington focused on nuclear arms, and Kyiv strongly opposed, the road from an idea to a real trilateral Ukraine summit is long. The APEC summit in China next month will be the first real test of whether the three leaders are prepared to sit down together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who proposed the trilateral summit?

The Wall Street Journal reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a three-way meeting with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping; the Kremlin confirmed the subject “was indeed raised” in talks.

When and where could it take place?

The possible venue is the sidelines of the APEC summit in China in November, which Trump is already expected to attend.

Would Ukraine take part?

Not under the proposed format. Ukraine’s foreign minister criticised the idea, saying only a meeting that includes Ukraine could help end the war.

What does Trump want to discuss there?

Trump said his priority would be nuclear weapons and denuclearisation, along with trade — “not so much for Ukraine”.

Has anything been agreed yet?

No. Both the Kremlin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio say no specific proposals or agreements have been finalised.

Why is Trump criticising Zelenskyy?

Trump argued that little land has changed hands in the war and suggested Ukraine should appoint someone else to negotiate on its behalf — remarks Kyiv has pushed back against.