Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could hold a three-way meeting during next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China, the Kremlin said on Monday. However, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that no formal proposals or agreements had been reached regarding the potential meeting or its agenda.
Peskov made the remarks after reporters asked about a Wall Street Journal report claiming Putin had proposed a meeting with Trump and Xi to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. He confirmed that the possibility had been raised because all three leaders could attend the summit. However, he said no specific arrangements had been discussed or proposed.
The prospect of a meeting drew criticism from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Writing on social media platform X, Sybiha argued that a summit involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia could help bring the war to an earlier end. He warned that a meeting between Russian, Chinese and American leaders could instead encourage Putin to continue the conflict.
Peskov also said the United States was continuing its mediation efforts to resolve the war. He added that Moscow appreciated Washington’s efforts to facilitate a settlement. His comments indicated that diplomatic engagement remained ongoing despite the lack of progress toward an agreed peace deal between the warring sides.
The Kremlin spokesperson emphasised that Ukraine would have to participate in any final agreement to end the conflict. He said a lasting settlement would be impossible without representatives in Kyiv willing to accept responsibility for the outcome. The statement highlighted the importance of Ukrainian involvement in negotiations concerning the country’s future and security.
The latest discussion about a possible summit comes as Russia and Ukraine remain deeply divided over the terms of a peace agreement. The last US-mediated peace talks took place in February, before the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran, according to the report. No breakthrough has been reported in efforts to bridge the differences between Moscow and Kyiv.
If the three leaders attend the APEC summit and arrange a meeting, it could provide an opportunity to discuss major international issues. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed that the meeting will take place. Its timing, agenda and potential role in resolving the Ukraine conflict remain uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue.
