Trump, Putin, and Xi summit: Who leads the talks?

A proposed trilateral summit between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is planned for November in Shenzhen, sparking concerns in Kyiv and Brussels that it could sideline Ukraine and Europe from peace negotiations. The summit was proposed by Putin during an October 9 phone call with Trump, where they also agreed on US purchases of Russian diesel. China has not objected to hosting the meeting, and Trump has indicated he would attend if Xi wishes, calling China's stance on the war "very fair." Critics warn the summit resembles a reversal of Henry Kissinger's 1972 triangular diplomacy, with China as the pivotal power rather than the US. Ukraine's foreign minister warned it would encourage Putin to continue the war, while analysts note any lasting solution requires China's consent as Russia's key economic backer.