Foto: BB.LV / флаги трех стран
According to sources from the publication, Putin voiced the initiative during a phone call with Trump on October 9. In addition to the war in Ukraine, the leaders discussed the possible purchases of Russian diesel fuel by the U.S. and its sale on the global market. Moscow proposed to hold negotiations within the framework of the APEC summit scheduled for November 18–19 in Shenzhen, China, and conveyed the initiative to Beijing through diplomatic channels. The Chinese side, according to sources, does not object provided that Trump agrees. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the possibility of a meeting is being discussed. He noted, however, that there is no final understanding regarding the summit and its agenda yet, although theoretically all three parties allow for such an option. One senior U.S. official stated that Trump has not yet agreed but may be interested in the proposal as he seeks to fulfill his promise to end the war. According to WSJ, the initiative is linked to Putin's attempt to take advantage of the improving relations with Trump. A meeting of the leaders of the U.S., Russia, and China without the participation of Volodymyr Zelensky would be unprecedented and could raise serious concerns among European allies of Kyiv. For Xi Jinping, such a meeting is an opportunity to strengthen China's international position and demonstrate its role as a mediator between Washington and Moscow. Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, noted that Beijing aims to establish itself as one of the key centers of global politics. However, the publication points out that there are risks for China itself: Xi is trying to maintain close relations with Putin while also supporting economic ties with Europe. The very prospect of the three powers discussing Ukraine's future without its participation could also be perceived as a signal for other conflicts, particularly around Taiwan. The initiative comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Trump and Zelensky. The American president once again criticized the Ukrainian leader and called for an end to strikes on Russian oil refineries, also suggesting that Ukraine might need a new president. On Sunday, he criticized Ukraine after its attack on an oil terminal in St. Petersburg. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Zelensky stated that delays in the delivery of Patriot systems and Starlink restrictions complicate Ukraine's defense and create the impression that Washington is seeking concessions from Kyiv to Moscow. He emphasized that he does not want to consider the capitulation of Ukraine as a goal of American partners, although what is happening raises serious concerns for him. Additional tension was caused by the easing of sanctions. On Friday, Trump suspended part of the restrictions that were set to take effect under a bipartisan bill he signed a month earlier. As reported by Reuters, the exceptions affected restrictions related to the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as tariffs. The White House explained the decision as being in the national interests of the U.S. The move was criticized by lawmakers, including some of Trump's allies.
