Russia Proposes Trilateral Summit With US and China

The Federal Government of Russia is exploring a potential trilateral summit between President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov first announced the possibility during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathering in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, suggesting the meeting could occur on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18-19.

While the Kremlin initially noted that the meeting depended on President Trump's attendance, more recent updates from Yuri Ushakov indicate that both Putin and Trump plan to attend the summit. However, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov clarified that formal preparations have not yet begun, as the agenda and expected results must first be formulated. The proposed gathering would follow a May 2026 bilateral summit between Trump and Xi in Beijing and a planned visit by Xi to Washington later this month.

The potential summit would address the war in Ukraine, U.S.-China trade tensions, and energy security. This diplomatic push follows a meeting between Vladimir Putin and U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which the Kremlin says reflects a strengthening atmosphere of trust. The prospect has caused concern in Kyiv and European capitals, as it suggests major powers may decide the fate of smaller regions without their input. In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv is prepared to temporarily halt aerial strikes on Russian cities to facilitate diplomatic negotiations.