Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump could meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, in November, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.
The potential encounter would take place during the November 18-19 summit, where both leaders have indicated they plan to attend. Ushakov told reporters on Wednesday, May 20, that Putin confirmed his attendance during a recent visit to China, informing Chinese President Xi Jinping of his plans. Trump, who traveled to China last week, has reportedly signaled his intention to participate as well.
"Our president has confirmed that he will come to the APEC summit," Ushakov said, according to reports. He added, "I think that, in any case, if both leaders are in China, they will probably cross paths and hold some kind of meeting." The Kremlin aide stressed that no formal meeting has been agreed upon, but noted, "given that such a prospect exists, it is unlikely that anyone would refuse it."
Background: Previous Meeting and Diplomatic Context
A potential meeting in China would follow the August 2025 summit between Putin and Trump in Anchorage, Alaska – the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. That meeting, described by both sides as productive, ended without a ceasefire deal but laid groundwork for continued dialogue. Officials from both governments characterized the discussions as constructive, according to reports. [1]
Since returning to the White House, Trump has alternated between criticizing Putin for a lack of progress on Ukraine and praising their personal relationship. The two leaders have held several phone calls addressing the Ukraine conflict and other international issues, including the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Analysts have noted that the combination of common policy ground, domestic politics and personal relationships has historically been critical to breakthroughs in U.S.-Russia diplomacy, as documented in analyses of peacemaking efforts. [3][4]
Current Status: Trump's Russia Trip Hint and Stalled Ukraine Talks
Trump hinted at a possible trip to Russia this year, telling journalists last week that he would "do whatever is necessary" to help facilitate a settlement to the Ukraine conflict, according to reports. Kremlin officials have said Putin is ready to host Trump in Moscow. The president’s comments come as Washington-backed direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv have stalled.
Russia has maintained that any peaceful settlement is predicated on Kyiv withdrawing from the remaining areas of Donbas under its control. Ushakov emphasized that while a meeting in China is not yet agreed, the prospect remains. The Kremlin has also signaled openness to further negotiations, with Putin earlier this year stating that the conflict in Ukraine is "heading towards the completion." [5][2]
Implications of a Potential Meeting
A meeting at the APEC summit could signal renewed diplomatic engagement between Russia and the United States amid the prolonged Ukraine conflict. The presence of both leaders in China provides an opportunity for direct talks without requiring separate travel, according to analysts. The summit also places both leaders in the context of China's growing role as a diplomatic hub, with Beijing hosting back-to-back visits by Trump and Putin in the same week. [6][7]
No formal agenda has been announced, but the Ukraine situation and broader international security are expected topics, based on prior discussions between the two leaders. Russia has not specified conditions for a meeting beyond Ushakov's statement that no refusal is anticipated. The potential encounter follows a series of high-level contacts, including the August 2025 Alaska summit and multiple phone calls, indicating sustained communication channels between Moscow and Washington. [1]
Conclusion: Meeting Not Confirmed but Likely
Ushakov confirmed Putin’s attendance at the APEC summit and noted the possibility of a meeting with Trump, though no talks are currently scheduled. Trump has indicated his interest in attending and in pursuing a Ukraine settlement, with both sides expressing openness to dialogue. As Ushakov stated, it is "unlikely that anyone would refuse" the opportunity if both leaders are present.
The meeting remains unconfirmed, but the convergence of both leaders at the same international event creates a plausible venue for further high-level diplomacy. The coming months will determine whether the opportunity translates into a formal sit-down, but the signals from both capitals suggest continued engagement. [4]
References
- Belle Carter. "Diplomatic Hope Amid Shadows: The Looming Putin-Trump Summit and Allegations of Ukrainian Sabotage." NaturalNews.com. August 13, 2025.
- Belle Carter. "Trump, Putin agree to start negotiations to end Ukraine war." NaturalNews.com. February 16, 2025.
- Bruce W Jentleson. "The Peacemakers."
- RT. "Putin and Trump could meet in November – Kremlin." May 20, 2026.
- RT. "Putin believes Ukraine conflict heading towards end." May 9, 2026.
- Fyodor Lukyanov. "Russia and China are building something America cannot break." RT. May 19, 2026.
- BBC. "Xi basks in spotlight as he hosts Putin days after Trump." May 20, 2026.
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