Trump Says He's Ready to Meet Putin and Xi in China

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in China next month. Trump indicated that the primary focus of this potential meeting would be denuclearization, though the war in Ukraine might also be discussed.

Highlights

• Donald Trump expressed readiness to meet Putin and Xi at an Asia-Pacific summit in China in November.
• Trump suggested the summit's main focus would be denuclearization, with the Ukraine war as a secondary topic.
• The Kremlin confirmed discussions about such a meeting but noted no substantive proposals or agreements have been made.
• Ukraine's Foreign Minister argued that a trilateral meeting without Kyiv's participation would only encourage the war.
• Trump renewed criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, stating it's "time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine."

Details

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he is open to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18-19. Trump indicated that the primary agenda for such a summit would be denuclearization, although the conflict in Ukraine could also be addressed. He downplayed Ukraine as the main draw, saying, "I would do it, not so much for Ukraine, because Russia, frankly, has been fine with Ukraine. They haven’t been doing much," emphasizing the discussion of nuclear weapons.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that "the topic of such a hypothetical meeting has indeed been mentioned," given the potential attendance of all three heads of state at a summit in China. However, Peskov added that "no substantive proposals or agreements, neither regarding the meeting itself nor its potential agenda and content, have been discussed or put forward by anyone." China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated she had no information about a possible meeting.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga expressed strong opposition to the idea of a trilateral meeting without Kyiv's involvement. Sybiga asserted that "a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Russia, China and the US would do only the opposite: encourage Putin to continue this war," and labeled Putin a "war criminal." Trump, who has recently renewed his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said it was "time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine."

Why it matters

This potential summit holds significant implications, bringing together leaders of three major global powers. Beyond critical global security issues like denuclearization, the possibility of discussing the war in Ukraine is crucial. Trump's comments regarding Zelensky and the prospect of a summit without Ukraine's direct participation could influence current geopolitical balances and the future trajectory of the conflict. Such a meeting could mark a new phase in international relations.