Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly has proposed a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss ending the war in Ukraine on terms favorable to Moscow.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the proposal, citing people familiar with the discussions, according to The Moscow Times outlet.
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According to a former Russian intelligence official, Putin floated the idea during a phone call with Trump on Oct. 9, suggesting the leaders meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for Nov. 18-19 in Shenzhen, China.
The former intelligence official said Putin viewed the proposed meeting as an opportunity to convene a new Yalta-style conference and divide the world into spheres of influence.
A senior US official confirmed that Putin had made the proposal, according to the WSJ. Trump has not agreed to the meeting but could be open to it, the official said, citing his pledge to end the war in Ukraine.
Sources familiar with Russian-Chinese diplomatic channels told the WSJ that Beijing was not opposed to a three-way meeting. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that a summit involving the three leaders was under discussion.
“There is no clear understanding yet regarding the meeting itself or its potential agenda, although all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility of holding such a meeting,” Peskov told the WSJ.
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The White House declined to comment on the proposed summit, while the Chinese Embassy in the US did not respond to the WSJ’s request for comment.
The former Russian intelligence official said Putin had previously proposed meetings with Trump and Xi to discuss Ukraine. The latest initiative comes amid what the source described as a shift in relations with Washington favorable to Moscow.
On Oct. 9, the two sides reached an agreement for the US to purchase Russian diesel fuel and facilitate its sale on the global market.
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Sunday, even as Trump accused him of having no desire to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelensky stated that much hinges on Washington’s position, affirming that Kyiv is prepared to work “constructively” and “honestly” toward peace – the discussions also covered the delivery of US-made Patriot air defense systems.
Trump, however, claimed that Zelensky was obstructing peace efforts and criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that they were harming global diesel markets, including those in the US.
This exchange took place amid mounting concern in Kyiv and across Europe regarding Washington’s approach toward Moscow. Zelensky previously told NBC News that it would be a “historic mistake” for Washington to formally side with Russia, while also thanking the US for the resumption of intelligence sharing.
Zelensky further accused Russia of violating a proposed energy-related ceasefire, an idea put forward by Trump, on 76 occasions, adding that Moscow is attempting to deprive Ukrainians of electricity and heating ahead of the winter season.
Meanwhile, late Sunday, Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Saint Petersburg, Russia, striking an oil refinery and other targets.
Leningrad Region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that air defenses had intercepted 144 Ukrainian drones. Russian state media described it as the largest attack on the city since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
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