Trump open to 'trilateral talks' with Putin and Xi on Ukraine war, with or without Zelensky

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he is open to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China next month, as reported by the media. The potential summit, which could occur during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Shenzhen from November 18-19, would focus on denuclearisation and the war in Ukraine. However, Trump emphasized that securing a peace deal favorable to Moscow is the primary goal.

When asked if the meeting would address Ukraine, Trump downplayed the issue, stating that Russia has been "fine with Ukraine" and that they have not been actively involved in the conflict. He added that he would do "whatever I can do to end the war."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the possibility of a trilateral meeting but stressed that no concrete proposals or agreements have been discussed. He also criticized China for not providing any details about the potential summit and questioned Ukraine's involvement, calling it an "encouragement for Putin to continue the war."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga vehemently opposed the idea of a meeting without the participation of Kyiv, arguing that it would only serve to justify Putin's actions. Putin, in response, defended himself by stating that he is not a global leader but a war criminal.

Peskov reiterated that a final settlement requires the participation of someone from Kyiv who is willing to assume responsibility. However, Putin has consistently refused to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky until a final peace deal is in place and has questioned Zelensky's authority to sign such an agreement following his term's expiration under martial law.