MOSCOW — Russia has not ruled out the possibility of a rare three-way meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially bringing the leaders of the world’s three major powers together at an upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow remains open to the idea, but stressed that substantial diplomatic work would be needed before preparations could begin. Russian officials want the participants to first agree on what the meeting would discuss and what practical results it could deliver.

Moscow Wants a Clear Agenda First

Ryabkov’s comments indicate that Russia is not rejecting the proposed summit, but neither is it treating the meeting as finalized.

According to Russian state media reports cited by Reuters, Moscow believes the central question is the substance of the discussions. Officials want to establish an agenda and determine what could realistically emerge from a meeting involving Putin, Trump and Xi.

That approach suggests that diplomatic preparations could become extensive if the three governments decide to move forward.

APEC Could Provide the Opportunity

The possibility of a trilateral meeting was first raised publicly earlier this month by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

He said the three presidents were expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November and that a meeting could take place if the necessary arrangements were made.

Ushakov also indicated that organizing such a gathering would ultimately depend on the summit’s hosts and extensive diplomatic preparation.

The latest comments from Ryabkov therefore keep the possibility alive rather than confirming that the meeting will happen.

Why the Meeting Would Be Significant

A face-to-face discussion involving Putin, Trump and Xi would carry major geopolitical significance.

Russia, China and the United States are among the world’s most powerful military and economic actors. Their leaders are also pursuing competing interests on security, trade, technology, energy and international influence.

Bringing all three together could provide an unusual channel for discussions on issues that are difficult to address through existing diplomatic mechanisms.

Ukraine Could Be a Major Issue

The war in Ukraine would likely be among the most sensitive subjects if the three leaders meet.

Russia and the United States have recently intensified diplomatic contacts over the conflict. U.S. special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held discussions with Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The latest diplomatic effort has focused on reviving negotiations, although no major breakthrough has been announced.

A Putin-Trump-Xi meeting could therefore create another high-level forum for discussing the broader international consequences of the war.

China Could Play a Distinctive Role

China has maintained close relations with Russia while also developing important economic and diplomatic ties with the United States.

Beijing’s position could become particularly important in any wider discussion about Ukraine, global trade and international security.

For Moscow, a trilateral meeting would also provide an opportunity to demonstrate its continued relevance in major international diplomacy despite years of tension with Western governments.

Trump-Xi Relationship Adds Another Dimension

The possibility of the meeting also comes as Washington and Beijing prepare for their own high-level engagement.

A direct conversation between Trump and Xi within a broader three-leader framework could potentially address trade, technology, supply chains and strategic competition.

Those issues have increasingly affected businesses and financial markets around the world.

Putin Also Expected to Hold Bilateral Talks

Russian officials have indicated that Putin’s diplomatic schedule at the APEC gathering could include separate meetings with Xi and potentially Trump.

Ushakov said Moscow was preparing for bilateral contacts and would seek opportunities for direct discussions with the American president if circumstances allowed.

These bilateral meetings could become important stepping stones toward any eventual three-way summit.

No Final Agreement Yet

Despite the growing discussion, there is currently no confirmation that Putin, Trump and Xi will definitely meet.

Ryabkov’s remarks make clear that Russia considers the proposal possible, but officials still want to establish the purpose and expected outcome of such a meeting before moving toward formal preparations.

The White House and Chinese government would also need to agree to the format and agenda.

A Potentially Important Diplomatic Moment

If the meeting goes ahead, it could become one of the most closely watched diplomatic events of the year.

The three leaders would represent countries with enormous influence over global security, trade, energy markets and technology. Even without a major agreement, the symbolism of Putin, Trump and Xi sitting together could send a powerful message about the changing balance of international power.

For now, however, the proposal remains under discussion.

Russia’s latest position keeps the door open, while emphasizing that diplomacy must first determine whether the meeting can produce meaningful results. The coming weeks are likely to reveal whether the idea develops into a formal summit plan or remains an ambitious possibility ahead of the APEC gathering.