**China Offers to Host Trump-Putin Talks, Without Ukraine**
Chinese officials have proposed a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the idea has been met with skepticism.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Beijing made the offer through intermediaries. They suggested a meeting between Trump and Putin without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation. The White House declined to confirm whether it had received China’s proposal but dismissed it as “not viable at all”.
**US Officials Unimpressed**
Trump announced that he had spoken with Putin on February 12. He said their first in-person meeting would take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, the extent of Ukrainian involvement in these talks remains unclear.
**China’s Role**
China has deepened its ties with Russia since the start of the Kremlin’s full-scale war against Ukraine. It has become Moscow’s leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry. Beijing has long positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict.
**Western Concerns**
Western officials remain wary of Beijing’s deepening ties with Moscow. NATO has labeled China a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war. Despite its diplomatic efforts, Beijing is cautious about taking any steps that could jeopardize its close relationship with the Kremlin.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
