Amid escalating tensions over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump has indicated openness to a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China. The discussions, which might unfold during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen next month, are intended to focus on nuclear disarmament but could also broach the topic of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might not be part of these talks.
Trump’s comments, made to reporters on October 19, suggest a willingness to intervene in the conflict, though he has critiqued Zelensky’s negotiation tactics, proposing instead that another representative handle Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. This stance has sparked concern in Kyiv, especially in light of Trump’s recent decisions to relax restrictions on Russian diesel exports and waive certain sanctions against Moscow, moves that have been criticized for potentially bolstering Russia’s war efforts financially.
The debate over these diplomatic maneuvers intensifies following a tragic Russian drone attack in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, which resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including two children, and left 15 others injured. Zelensky condemned the assault, urging for stronger Western air defenses and sustained sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has cautioned against the exclusion of Ukraine from any diplomatic talks involving Trump, Putin, and Xi, arguing that such a meeting could embolden Moscow to persist in its military actions. He emphasized that any substantive peace negotiations must include direct involvement from Kyiv to ensure Ukraine’s interests are represented.
While there are reports that Putin is eager for discussions with both Trump and Xi during the upcoming summit, the Kremlin has clarified that no formal proposals or agendas have been finalized. Similarly, Chinese authorities have indicated a lack of information regarding the prospective meeting.
The evolving diplomatic landscape highlights growing rifts between Washington and Kyiv over the handling of sanctions, military support, and the conditions necessary for ending the war. Ukraine maintains that its future must be decided with its active participation in any negotiations, as global leaders deliberate potential paths to peace.