Trump Signals Openness to Putin-Xi Summit in Shenzhen, Excluding Zelenskyy

Key points

• Trump confirmed openness to a meeting with Putin and Xi at the APEC summit in Shenzhen on Nov 18-19, stating he would attend even if Zelenskyy was absent.
• The Wall Street Journal reported Putin proposed the summit via phone on Oct 9, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated no substantive agenda or agreement has been reached.
• Trump framed the potential summit as focusing on denuclearization and trade, asserting Russia has done 'very little' regarding the Ukraine conflict recently.
• Zelenskyy accused the US of degrading Starlink services and halting intelligence sharing, claims denied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
• Bipartisan senators Blumenthal and Tillis criticized Trump’s decision to waive new Russian sanctions, warning it prolongs the war and increases casualties.

Background

This development follows a sharp deterioration in US-Ukraine relations. In late September, Zelenskyy urged Trump to broker a trilateral summit including Ukraine. By mid-October, Trump had waived sanctions on Russian diesel and criticized Zelenskyy for failing to end the war. On Oct 18, Zelenskyy publicly rejected comparisons between himself and Putin, labeling the Russian leader a terrorist. The current proposal for a US-Russia-China summit excludes Kyiv, marking a significant shift from earlier diplomatic efforts that included Ukrainian participation.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets highlight differing priorities for the potential summit. CNBC and Politico emphasize Trump’s focus on denuclearization and trade, with Trump stating Russia has been 'fine' on Ukraine. The Washington Post notes the proposal may leverage the fraying US-Ukraine relationship, with Beijing potentially wary of provoking the EU. While CNBC and Politico report Trump’s willingness to meet without Zelenskyy, The Washington Post highlights Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s objection, arguing such a meeting would encourage Putin to continue the war. All sources agree that no formal agreement has been reached, with Peskov describing discussions as 'hypothetical.'

Why it matters

The potential exclusion of Ukraine from high-level peace talks could marginalize Kyiv in negotiations affecting its sovereignty. Simultaneously, the waiver of Russian sanctions and disputes over satellite communications signal a shift in US policy that may impact the war’s trajectory and transatlantic alliances.

What to watch

Observers will watch for formal confirmation of the summit agenda and whether China agrees to host the meeting. The outcome of the APEC summit in Shenzhen will determine if the trilateral talks proceed. Additionally, the resolution of the Starlink and intelligence sharing disputes will be critical for Ukraine’s military operations.