Putin Proposes US-China-Russia Summit Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia's president Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to U.S. media reports. The proposal, said to have been made during a phone call on 9 October, would be held on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Shenzhen on 18–19 November, though no agreement on the meeting's agenda has been reached.

Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha warned that such a gathering would only encourage Putin to continue the war, writing on X that a meeting involving Russia, China and the United States would “encourage Putin to continue this war.” He added that inviting Putin would reward Moscow without requiring meaningful steps toward peace.

The European Commission also questioned Moscow's commitment, noting that Russia continues attacks despite a U.S.-announced energy ceasefire. A commission spokesperson said, "If Putin would like to end this war, you can just stop this war today. And the war could be over today."

President Trump has said he is negotiating peace and wants to avoid actions that could push Russia away from a bargaining table. He announced the waiver of new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and highlighted a recent diesel export agreement with Moscow, arguing it helps ease global energy pressures.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that easing pressure on Moscow could prolong the conflict, citing recent missile and drone attacks that damaged energy facilities and left hundreds of thousands without power. He accused partners of ignoring the reality of Russia's continued strikes.

A senior U.S. official indicated that Trump has not yet agreed to attend the proposed summit, and there is no indication that Ukraine would take part.