Ukrainian Domestic — 2026-10-31

Zelensky Warns Trump-Xi-Putin Meeting Could Become Yalta 2.0 for Ukraine

BLUFA trilateral Trump-Xi-Putin meeting is very unlikely by November 20, but the proposal alone advances Moscow's goal of sidelining Kyiv while keeping Washington engaged on Russian terms.

Zelensky said on Wednesday, October 28, that he does not want a Trump-Xi-Putin meeting to become "Yalta 2, 3, 4" with a "redistribution of influence," and that Russia wants the meeting more than anyone 123. According to AFP via Boursorama, Moscow says the first dedicated US-Russia-China leaders' meeting is being prepared on the sidelines of the APEC summit in mid-November, and Trump has said he favors it 3. Zelensky said the agenda is undefined but would include Ukraine and the Middle East, and he cannot see China's benefit 13. He wants the planned Abu Dhabi talks with Russian and US envoys held first, though WION reports no date is confirmed 23.

Analysis
Only Moscow describes the meeting as being prepared, while Trump has voiced support and neither Beijing nor the White House has confirmed a date. A trilateral Trump, Xi and Putin meeting in person by November 20 is very unlikely to happen. We have high confidence in this assessment because the reporting is broad but not independent: AFP via Boursorama is the only primary account, and the other outlets appear to repackage the same Zelensky remarks. Moscow's proposal has moved from a Putin offer excluding Zelensky to a Kremlin-announced preparation with Trump leaning in, and Zelensky's public objection raises the political cost for Washington of discussing Ukraine without Kyiv and gives European capitals grounds to demand consultation first. Russia gains whether or not the meeting occurs, since the proposal keeps Washington engaged on Moscow's terms while the Abu Dhabi talks remain undated. Moscow's talk of preparations may be signaling meant to pressure Kyiv and Europeans, and Beijing may never commit to a format that ties it to the war. If the meeting does happen, Kyiv and European governments would face damage control on any understanding reached without them. If not, they can stay focused on securing the Abu Dhabi talks and a maritime and energy ceasefire. Watch for a Chinese foreign ministry statement, a Kremlin readout and White House scheduling notices.

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