Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a three-way summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, according to The Wall Street Journal. The proposed meeting would exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seek an agreement favorable to Moscow, potentially allowing the three powers to shape the terms of a settlement without Kyiv's direct participation. The proposal comes as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts to end the conflict while relations between Trump and Zelenskyy remain strained.

The discussions could take place alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, scheduled for November 18–19. The Kremlin previously acknowledged discussions about a possible meeting involving the three leaders, but the latest proposal would place negotiations over Ukraine at the center of the gathering. Neither Washington nor Beijing has confirmed an agreement to participate in such negotiations, and no formal summit has been announced.

Moscow Seeks a Diplomatic Advantage

The proposal comes amid growing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over the conduct of the war and the conditions for ending it. Trump recently suspended additional sanctions against Russia, arguing that further economic pressure could undermine ongoing peace negotiations. His administration has also reached an agreement involving Russian diesel exports, which American officials have described as an incentive for Moscow to pursue a negotiated settlement.

Trump has increasingly criticized Ukraine's strikes against Russian oil refineries, arguing that the attacks are contributing to higher global fuel prices. Zelenskyy has defended Ukraine's ability to target Russian energy infrastructure, which Kyiv considers important to weakening Moscow's capacity to finance and sustain military operations. The disagreement has further complicated relations between the two governments as Russia continues its missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.

For Moscow, negotiations involving Washington and Beijing without Ukrainian representation could create an opportunity to advance Russian territorial and security demands. The Kremlin has repeatedly sought recognition of its territorial gains and restrictions on Ukraine's future military alignment with Western countries. However, the specific terms Putin intends to pursue through the proposed summit have not been publicly established.

Ukraine's Role in Peace Negotiations

The proposed arrangement raises significant questions about Ukraine's participation in decisions affecting its territory, security and political future. Kyiv has consistently maintained that any lasting settlement must respect Ukrainian sovereignty and include credible security guarantees against renewed Russian aggression. European governments have likewise argued that Ukraine must participate directly in negotiations determining the terms of a peace agreement.

The proposal also contrasts with Zelenskyy's efforts to arrange a separate trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. On October 17, Zelenskyy expressed interest in holding such talks during the G20 summit in Miami in December, although neither Washington nor Moscow had confirmed participation. The competing proposals reflect continuing disagreements over who should negotiate a settlement and what conditions should form its basis.

China's potential participation would introduce another influential actor into negotiations over the conflict. Beijing has maintained extensive economic and diplomatic relations with Moscow while presenting itself as a potential mediator. Its involvement could provide additional diplomatic leverage, although it remains unclear whether China would support Moscow's preferred settlement terms or seek a broader compromise.

Putin's proposal remains at the discussion stage, with no confirmed agreement on the participants, location or negotiating framework. Any eventual settlement would face substantial obstacles, including disagreements over occupied Ukrainian territory, security guarantees and the future relationship between Russia and Western governments. Fighting continues despite the renewed diplomatic discussions, leaving the possibility of a negotiated end to the war uncertain.