Putin asks Trump and Xi to meet at APEC for Ukraine peace talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Oct. 9 that a three‑way meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping be held during the APEC summit in Shenzhen on Nov. 18‑19 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that discussions about the meeting have taken place but said no firm plan or agenda has been set.

A senior U.S. official said Trump has not signed on to the proposal, though he could be receptive. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Uzbekistan, acknowledged the talks but emphasized that nothing is certain.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha rejected the idea, warning that peace talks without Kyiv would only embolden Putin and that the Russian leader has no business at any negotiating table while attacks continue.

Chinese officials signaled they would not object if Trump participates, seeing the format as an opportunity to act as a mediator and elevate China’s role as a global power broker. Analysts noted Xi’s desire to be seen as a bridge between Washington and Moscow, even as Beijing worries the summit could clash with its APEC showcase and provoke European criticism.

The proposed trilateral dialogue would give Russia a format that bypasses Europe, which Moscow views as its biggest obstacle to victory. A former Russian intelligence officer described the plan as a modern‑day Yalta, a summit that could reshape global spheres of influence.

Trump recently struck a diesel‑supply deal with Russia and paused sanctions, actions he linked to his goal of ending the war. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “I WANT THIS WAR END!” and accused Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky of hindering peace.

As APEC approaches, the three‑way meeting remains speculative. Kremlin officials say they will continue to explore the idea, while U.S. and Ukrainian officials await a clearer commitment from Trump before any diplomatic track can move forward.