Putin calls for three-way summit with Trump, Xi on Ukraine settlement

Putin's call for the summit reflects Russia's apparent interest in engaging major global powers in discussions about the protracted Ukraine war, which has entered its third year with no clear end in sight. The Russian leader has previously suggested that direct engagement with the incoming Trump administration could prove more productive than negotiations with the current US government.

The proposed three-way meeting would bring together leaders of the world's largest nuclear powers at a time when diplomatic channels have largely frozen. China has maintained a delicate balance in the conflict, avoiding direct military involvement while maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Russia.

Trump, set to assume office in January, has repeatedly claimed he could quickly resolve the Ukraine crisis, though specific details of his proposed approach remain unclear. Beijing has previously called for dialogue-based solutions while stopping short of endorsing Russian positions on the conflict.

The proposal comes as fighting continues across Ukrainian territory and international efforts to broker peace have achieved limited success. Any such summit would represent a significant diplomatic development and signal renewed attempts at great-power negotiations on one of the world's most pressing security issues.