Trump Proposes Trilateral Nuclear Summit with Putin and Xi
President Trump eyes China for high-level talks on global nuclear disarmament and arms control.
1Trilateral Summit Proposal
President Donald Trump has expressed interest in hosting a trilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The proposed meeting, potentially held in China, aims to address global denuclearization. This initiative follows a suggestion by Putin during an October 9 call, marking a significant shift in diplomatic engagement.
2Diverging Strategic Agendas
While Putin reportedly suggested the summit to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, Trump emphasized a focus on nuclear weapons. The U.S. President aims to curb the global arms race, a goal he has pursued since his first term. However, the exclusion of Ukrainian representation remains a major point of contention for Kyiv.
3Global Nuclear Inventory
As of January 2026, global nuclear stockpiles total approximately 12,187 warheads, with 9,745 in active military use. Russia and the U.S. possess 83% of this total inventory. China holds about 6% with 600 warheads but is currently expanding its arsenal at a faster rate than any other nation in the world today.
4Expiration of New START
The bilateral New START treaty, which previously placed verifiable limits on deployed intercontinental-range nuclear weapons, expired in February. This lapse creates uncertainty regarding future proliferation between the U.S. and Russia. Trump has expressed regret over the treaty's end, noting his desire to achieve meaningful nuclear reductions if the conditions allow.
5China's Stance on Reduction
During his first presidential term, Trump attempted to include China in nuclear arms reduction talks, but those efforts failed. Beijing continues to argue that the U.S. and Russia must reduce their significantly larger arsenals before China considers joining such agreements. Trump recently acknowledged that Beijing remains less inclined to participate in these discussions.
6Ukraine's Diplomatic Rejection
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha publicly rejected the trilateral format, arguing it would only encourage Russia to continue the war. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a final peace settlement would require Kyiv's participation, the current proposal excludes Ukrainian leaders, raising concerns about the legitimacy of any potential security agreements reached.
7Shifting U.S.-Russia Relations
The summit proposal coincides with a warming trend in U.S.-Russia relations under Trump. The administration recently unveiled a diesel deal with Russia and halted scheduled sanctions, moves that have faced criticism from allies. Trump has also pressured Kyiv to cease strikes on Russian refineries, citing concerns over rising domestic fuel prices.
8Future Diplomatic Outlook
The leaders are expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen next month, providing a potential venue for these high-stakes discussions. Whether this trilateral meeting materializes depends on the willingness of all three powers to reconcile their conflicting priorities regarding the war in Ukraine and long-term global nuclear security.
Original article: TIME — Trump Proposes Trilateral Nuclear Summit with Putin and Xi