World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Russia, China and U.S. Summit Under Discussion, Kremlin Says
Russia says talks are under way to arrange a meeting later this month between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in China. If agreed, the meeting would bring the three leaders together as the war in Ukraine remains a central issue in discussions involving Russia, the United States and China.
Putin and Trump are expected at the APEC summit in Shenzhen on 18 and 19 November, while China has publicly confirmed only contact about a meeting between Xi and Putin. A source familiar with the talks said Washington and Moscow were urging Beijing to host the three-way meeting, but Russia does not expect substantive Ukraine negotiations. Germany’s president has argued Europe should be involved, and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov is in Beijing for separate high-level military talks.
In short
- Russia says a Putin, Trump and Xi meeting is being discussed.
- The proposed talks could address the war in Ukraine.
- Russia does not expect substantive Ukraine negotiations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A meeting among the three leaders could open direct channels between countries with major influence over the war and reduce the risk of miscalculation. Even without formal Ukraine negotiations, it could clarify intentions and create momentum for later diplomacy; China’s role as host may also help bring the parties together.
The case against
A summit that excludes Ukraine and European leaders could give outside powers undue influence over decisions affecting Ukraine’s future, while lending political legitimacy to Russia during its war. If, as Russia expects, no substantive Ukraine negotiations take place, the meeting may produce little practical progress and could create an appearance of diplomacy without addressing the people most directly affected.
Explained simply
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the war has remained a major point of tension between Moscow and Western governments. The United States has provided military and financial support to Ukraine, while China has maintained close ties with Russia and called for negotiations.
Vladimir Putin leads Russia, Donald Trump leads the United States and Xi Jinping leads China. Their countries have major military and economic influence, so contact between the three leaders can affect international relations even when it does not produce a formal agreement.
European governments are also affected by the war and have argued that Europe should have a role in decisions about its security. Russia and China hold separate high-level military talks as well as diplomatic contacts, adding to the range of issues shaping their relationship.
Americas Asia Europe Geopolitics Politics World