Putin seeks Ukraine summit with Trump and Xi but refuses talks with Zelenskyy

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a summit next month with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Kremlin suggested the trilateral dialogue could take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to the Journal that such discussions are occurring.

The proposal follows recent developments between Washington and Moscow, including a deal for the U.S. to purchase Russian diesel and an order from President Trump waiving key sanctions. Trump stated on Truth Social that these decisions are part of an attempt to begin peace negotiations, noting he does not want to drive Russia away from the bargaining table.

He also criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming Zelenskyy's targeting of Russian diesel refineries hurts global markets and suggesting the Ukrainian leader does not want to end the war.

Euronews reports that Washington is easing economic pressure on Moscow while pressing Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil infrastructure, leading to concerns in Kyiv that the Kremlin is gaining concessions without offering any in return. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces conducted a targeted attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv region on the night of Monday, October 19, using 16 ballistic missiles and over 200 drones.

Zelenskyy stated that the strikes damaged more than 10 energy facilities and left at least 550,000 households without power.

Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews, Daily Maverick, Interfax-Ukraine, Meduza (English), The Age — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.