Putin proposes three-way summit with Trump and Xi to discuss Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding a three-way summit with former US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month to discuss the war in Ukraine, in an effort to reach a settlement to end the four-year conflict, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper reported that Putin raised the idea during a phone call with Trump on October 9, as part of efforts to capitalize on improved relations between the Russian and US presidents.

The proposal could be discussed on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled to take place in Shenzhen, China, in November. However, Trump has not confirmed his participation in the proposed meeting.

The Journal quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as confirming that discussions are underway regarding a possible meeting, as the parties seek ways to end the war in Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal noted that if implemented, the proposal would mark an unprecedented three-way meeting to address the Ukraine crisis without the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which could raise concerns among Kyiv and its European allies.