Moscow Proposes Three-Way Summit in Shenzhen to Dictate Ukraine Peace Terms

Key points

• Moscow proposed a November summit in Shenzhen involving Putin, Trump, and Xi to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, excluding Kyiv and the EU.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated there is no clear agenda yet, though all three parties acknowledge the hypothetical possibility of the meeting.
• The Wall Street Journal reports the aim is to reach a settlement favorable to Russia after nearly five years of conflict.
• U.S. President Trump has recently pressured Ukraine by sealing a diesel pact with the Kremlin and urging Kyiv to stop targeting Russian refineries.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has criticized Russia for failing to take reciprocal steps in response to sanctions relief, arguing Moscow is using economic gains to justify continued fighting.

Background

This proposal follows recent U.S. diplomatic moves, including a controversial invitation for Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami, which drew bipartisan criticism from U.S. senators and European allies. The current proposal signals a shift toward direct great-power negotiations that bypass Ukraine, echoing earlier tensions over U.S. sanctions relief and energy deals with Moscow.

How outlets are covering it

While Politico and the Wall Street Journal focus on the logistical details of the proposed Shenzhen summit and the exclusion of Kyiv, CNBC emphasizes the diplomatic implications, quoting former Secretary of State Antony Blinken to highlight the risk of Ukraine being 'on the menu' if excluded from negotiations. CNBC also notes the deteriorating relations between Washington and Kyiv, citing Trump’s defense of delaying sanctions and his accusations against Zelenskyy. In contrast, Politico highlights the Kremlin’s cautious stance, with Peskov noting the lack of a defined agenda, while CNBC frames the situation as deeply alarming for Ukraine’s European allies.

Why it matters

The proposed summit represents a potential shift in the diplomatic landscape, where major powers may dictate the terms of peace without the direct participation of the affected nation. This could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and the leverage of its European allies, potentially leading to a settlement that favors Russian interests and destabilizes regional security dynamics.

What to watch

Watch for official confirmations from the Kremlin, White House, and Chinese government regarding the summit’s date and agenda. Monitor reactions from European allies and Ukraine, as well as any shifts in U.S. sanctions policy or energy deals with Russia that could influence the negotiations.