Vladimir Putin Proposes Trilateral Summit With Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a trilateral summit next month with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to negotiate an end to the four-year conflict in Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the discussions. The proposed meeting, which would exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was raised during an October 9 phone call between Putin and Trump, according to a former Russian intelligence officer briefed on the matter. The potential gathering is tentatively slated for the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, China.
Kremlin Confirms Discussions as White House Weighs the Proposal
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that discussions regarding a potential meeting are underway. “There is no clear understanding yet regarding the meeting itself or its potential agenda, although all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility of such a meeting taking place,” Peskov told the publication. A senior U.S. official told the Journal that Trump has not agreed to the summit but could be receptive to the idea. The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment, and the Russian and Chinese embassies in Washington did not immediately reply.
Sanctions relief will continue. I think the diesel deal and the move regarding the Lindsey Graham Act are not the end of it. Unfortunately.It’s unfortunate because we all had great respect for Lindsey. He devoted his life to America. We had an excellent relationship with him.…
Sanctions Relief and Energy Deals Strain U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The diplomatic overture coincides with heightened friction between Washington and Kyiv over U.S. policy shifts toward Moscow. Trump announced a deal to buy Russian diesel and signed an order waiving new Russia sanctions from a bill introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. On Truth Social, Trump claimed that Zelenskyy “doesn’t want to end this war, and probably never did.” Zelenskyy has warned that the move would embolden Moscow and said “steps have been taken to convince Ukraine to capitulate.”
Contested Starlink Restrictions and Escalating Battlefield Strikes
Tensions have also flared over military communications and infrastructure attacks. Kyiv accused Washington of ordering restrictions on Starshield networks—the military-grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink used by Ukrainian forces. Reuters reported that two U.S. officials stated the call to restrict Starlink came from the White House, but did not say who made the order. The Telegraph reported that Musk “approached Donald Trump with the idea of slowing down Starlink in Ukraine,” and both had a hand in imposing the restrictions. On the ground, Ukraine launched a strike of over 1,000 drones into Russia, setting fires at an oil export terminal and refinery in St. Petersburg, while Moscow retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the proposed trilateral summit scheduled to take place?
The Kremlin suggested holding the meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is set for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, southern China, according to the Wall Street Journal.
What specific U.S. sanctions actions drew public criticism from Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
Zelenskyy criticized President Trump’s decision to waive sanctions on Russia and tariffs on its goods days before they were to take effect, warning it would embolden Moscow to keep attacking Ukraine.
Who controls the Starshield satellite systems used by Ukraine’s military?
Kyiv accused Washington of ordering restrictions on its Starshield networks, which it uses to control military forces and defend against Russian government.
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