Beijing has long sought to mediate the peace process between Russia and Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal reported that China proposed a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump to help resolve the Ukraine conflict, citing sources familiar with the matter. China has consistently presented itself as a potential mediator in the conflict, offering its own plan for a resolution.
This proposal follows a recent phone call between Putin and Trump—their first confirmed conversation since Trump’s return to the political scene. Trump described the call as “lengthy and highly productive,” adding that they agreed to immediately begin negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
According to the WSJ, Chinese officials recently conveyed a proposal to Trump’s team via intermediaries. This proposal suggests a Putin-Trump summit, with China assisting in post-truce peacekeeping efforts. Sources in both Beijing and Washington confirmed this to the WSJ.
The Chinese proposal reportedly excludes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contradicting Western support for Ukraine’s inclusion in any such discussions. The White House, while not confirming receipt of the proposal, dismissed it as “not viable at all.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment directly, stating only their pleasure at the strengthening US-Russia ties and dialogue.
Trump and Putin reportedly agreed to visit each other’s countries during their conversation. The Kremlin confirmed Putin’s invitation to Trump, though without specifying a date. Trump suggested their first meeting might occur soon in Saudi Arabia.
Peace talks on Ukraine have been stalled since the early stages of the conflict. Negotiations in Belarus and Türkiye collapsed in spring 2022, with each side blaming the other for unrealistic demands. A senior US State Department official stated in 2024 that Washington and its allies advised Ukraine against accepting Russia’s terms.