Trump signals openness to Putin, Xi talks on Ukraine sans Zelenskyy

Trump's openness to bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping regarding Ukraine marks a potential shift in diplomatic approach to the ongoing conflict. The reported willingness to pursue discussions without Zelenskyy's involvement underscores Washington's consideration of alternative diplomatic channels to address the crisis.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has emphasized the strategic importance of direct American engagement with China on Ukraine matters. According to reports, Zelenskyy has argued that Xi Jinping maintains considerable influence over Putin, positioning Beijing as a critical stakeholder in potential peace negotiations despite not being directly involved in the conflict.

The prospect of separate diplomatic channels reflects broader international efforts to resolve the Ukraine war through multilateral engagement. Zelenskyy's push for US-China dialogue suggests Kyiv's recognition that Beijing's leverage with Moscow could prove instrumental in advancing peace talks, even as questions remain about the structure and terms any such discussions might entail.

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by various international actors to broker resolution to the conflict that has reshaped geopolitics across Europe and Asia.

Photo: President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, 15 August 2025. U.S. Department of Defense photo by Benjamin Applebaum via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).