Trump indicates openness to nuclear talks with Putin and Xi

United States President Donald Trump announced on October 19, 2026, that he is open to a trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Politico Europe, Reuters, and the National Herald all reported that the potential three-way meeting would focus on nuclear arms reductions and denuclearization. Reuters reported that the joint meeting could take place next month, while Euronews Europe stated that Trump expressed readiness to meet the leaders in China. [2][3][4][6]

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized that any potential summit would not focus on the war in Ukraine, directly contradicting earlier suggestions from Moscow according to Politico Europe. Euronews Europe reported that Trump renewed his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that it was time for someone else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Politico Europe reported that the United States plans to send envoy Steve Witkoff to Russia on Wednesday to offer face-to-face talks involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump. [3][5][6]

As FTMQ World reported earlier, Trump previously agreed to a deal with Putin allowing Russian diesel into global markets through a temporary United States Treasury licence. Putin has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously held the office from 2000 to 2008. Relations between the United States and China have involved persistent strategic competition alongside deep economic ties, following the normalization of relations in the 1970s. [10][12][14]

Additional reporting highlights changing diplomatic dynamics surrounding the conflict. The New Voice of Ukraine noted a report from the Financial Times indicating that European nations may consider talking directly with Putin. The proposed trilateral talks between the leaders of the United States, Russia, and China mark a potential shift in global superpower diplomacy. [1][7][8]