Russian officials signaled openness to potential discussions between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump should the U.S. leader attend World War II anniversary commemorations in China this September, according to a statement from the Kremlin on Monday. Beijing is set to host a military parade on September 3 to mark 80 years since the end of the conflict, with Putin already confirmed to attend. Speculation about a possible high-profile meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified in recent weeks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that while Moscow has not received official confirmation of Trump’s attendance, it would consider talks “expedient” if both leaders are present. “Should Trump be there, we cannot rule out raising the question of holding a meeting,” Peskov told reporters. He added, however, that substantial preparation would be required for such a summit, emphasizing that “the time has not yet come” for formal discussions.
Reports by Japan’s Kyodo News and The Times of London have fueled rumors of a trilateral gathering, with unnamed sources suggesting Beijing aims to position itself as a diplomatic intermediary. Chinese authorities have not publicly confirmed Trump’s invitation, though the former U.S. president claimed during a June phone call with Xi that he had been asked to visit China. Specific dates for a potential trip remain unannounced.
The prospect of a meeting comes amid ongoing dialogue between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine conflict. Putin and Trump have reportedly communicated multiple times in recent months, with talks centered on efforts to resolve the war. Trump recently accused the Russian leader of resisting a negotiated settlement, prompting a measured response from the Kremlin, which reiterated its commitment to maintaining dialogue.
China, meanwhile, has reinforced its neutral stance on the conflict. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has repeatedly called for a “fair, lasting, and binding” peace agreement, urging all parties to prioritize ceasefires and direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Beijing has also expressed support for renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
The last in-person meeting between Putin and Trump occurred in 2018 during a summit in Helsinki, Finland, which drew international attention amid scrutiny over U.S.-Russia relations. Observers note that Beijing’s commemorative events could provide a symbolic backdrop for renewed diplomacy, though logistical and political hurdles remain. With global attention shifting to the September gathering, questions linger over how major powers might navigate complex geopolitical rivalries in pursuit of dialogue.