Putin proposes trilateral talks with Trump and Xi on Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month to discuss Ukraine, aiming to negotiate an end to the four-year conflict on terms favorable to Moscow. The proposed summit would exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a move unprecedented in nature. Putin raised the idea during an October 9 phone call with Trump, according to a former Russian intelligence officer. The Kremlin has suggested holding the talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18-19. China has indicated it would not object if Trump agrees, though a senior US official said Trump has not yet committed to the meeting. The proposal comes amid warming US-Russia relations, including a recent deal for US purchases of Russian diesel and Trump's decision to freeze sanctions on Russia. Trump has also criticized Zelensky, suggesting Ukraine needs new leadership. Moscow views the trilateral format as a way to solidify Russia's status among major powers while excluding Europe, which it sees as an obstacle.