Kremlin: does not rule out Putin-Trump meeting in China if Trump visits same day, but no substantive preparations made yet

Kremlin: does not rule out Putin-Trump meeting in China if Trump visits same day, but no substantive preparations made yet

The Kremlin has hinted that a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could occur if both leaders happen to be in Beijing at the same time in September. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin will visit China for events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II but noted that Moscow has not heard if Trump plans to go [1].

Peskov stated, "You know that we are preparing for a trip to Beijing, our president is preparing for this trip... But we have not heard that President Trump is also going there, to Beijing." He added, "If it so happens that (Trump) is there, then, of course, we cannot rule out that the question of the expediency of holding a meeting will be raised" [1].

This possibility comes amidst ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly over the war in Ukraine. Trump has expressed growing frustration with Putin over the lack of progress in ending the conflict and has set a deadline for new sanctions on Russia and its export buyers in early September [1].

Despite the potential meeting, the Kremlin has not made any substantive preparations. The Times reported last week that China was positioning itself to hold a summit between Trump and Putin, but no concrete plans have been announced [1].

The latest developments in the Ukraine war have also added to the geopolitical tension. Russia canceled its annual Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg due to security concerns, citing a wave of drone attacks that disrupted airports and railways across western Russia [2]. Meanwhile, Ukraine's top drone warfare commander hinted that Russia attempted a coordinated strike targeting multiple Ukrainian drone unit leaders [2].

The possibility of a Putin-Trump meeting in China adds another layer to the complex geopolitical landscape, but it remains uncertain whether any significant progress will be made. The meeting would likely be focused on addressing the ongoing issues between the two countries, particularly the war in Ukraine.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/china/kremlin-doesnt-rule-out-putin-trump-meeting-beijing-september-2025-07-21/
[2] https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-110/