Putin’s Shenzhen Summit Proposal Risks Locking in Ukraine’s Defeat

Key points

• Putin proposed a meeting with Trump and Xi during the APEC forum in Shenzhen on Nov. 18-19.
• Trump signaled willingness to attend but emphasized denuclearization and trade over Ukraine.
• Ukraine and European allies warn the summit could embolden Russia and exclude Kyiv from peace talks.
• The proposal follows Trump’s waiver of Russian sanctions and disruptions to Starlink services for Ukraine.
• China has not confirmed the summit, citing potential risks to its trade relations with the EU.

Background

This development follows recent tensions between Washington and Kyiv, including Trump’s waiver of bipartisan sanctions on Russia and reports of degraded satellite communications for Ukraine. Earlier coverage noted that the Kremlin’s proposal emerged amid a period where Ukraine was making military headway, while the US had cut off aid.

How outlets are covering it

Slate argues the summit is a 'poisoned bone' for Trump, as he lacks leverage and risks legitimizing Russia’s goal to eliminate Ukraine as a sovereign state. The Washington Post and CNBC highlight the diplomatic friction, noting that while Trump is open to the meeting, Beijing is cautious about provoking the EU. The Times of India reports that the Kremlin frames the talks as necessary for nuclear stability, while Ukraine’s foreign minister warns it will only encourage the war. Critics, including bipartisan senators, view the summit as an appeasement move that ignores Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Why it matters

If the summit proceeds without Ukraine, it could set a precedent for great-power diplomacy that bypasses the affected nation, potentially locking in terms favorable to Moscow and weakening US alliances in Europe and Asia.

What to watch

Watch for confirmation from Beijing on the summit’s logistics and any further statements from Trump regarding the agenda. Monitor Ukraine’s response to the potential exclusion from peace negotiations and the impact on US-EU relations.