President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping could exert significant influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin in efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed optimism about Beijing’s potential role in shaping Moscow’s decisions, just days before a planned meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders in South Korea.
“I think he can have a big influence on Putin,” Trump said. “He’s a respected man, a very strong leader, very big country. Yeah, I think it can have a big influence. And we will certainly be talking about Russia, Ukraine.”
The remarks come at a time when Trump is intensifying his diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—now stretching beyond three and a half years.
Frustration with Putin Grows
While Trump has often touted his personal rapport with Putin as an asset in achieving peace, his recent comments revealed growing frustration with the Russian leader.
“Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and then they don’t go anywhere,” Trump told journalists, signaling his disappointment over the lack of tangible progress.
The U.S. president had planned to meet Putin in Budapest within weeks to advance talks, but scrapped the summit on Tuesday, saying he didn’t want a “wasted meeting.”
“I don’t want to have a waste of time,” Trump said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Xi’s Emerging Role in Diplomatic Mediation
Trump’s acknowledgment of Xi’s potential influence underscores how Washington is seeking broader international involvement in mediating peace talks. Beijing has maintained close economic and political ties with Moscow throughout the conflict, but has also positioned itself as a possible intermediary between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi in Seoul, South Korea, could mark a pivotal moment in the administration’s diplomatic strategy, as the U.S. looks to leverage China’s relationship with Russia to push for a negotiated settlement.
Foreign policy analysts suggest that Xi’s involvement could add new dynamics to the complex equation. China has repeatedly called for “respecting the territorial integrity of all nations” while stopping short of directly condemning Russia’s invasion.
A Difficult Balancing Act
Despite his self-styled image as a dealmaker, Trump’s progress in resolving the conflict has been limited. His administration’s approach—focusing on personal diplomacy with world leaders—has faced skepticism both in Washington and among U.S. allies.
Trump has attempted to reset relations with Putin while maintaining support for Kyiv through humanitarian and limited military aid. Yet, his refusal to send long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and his recent calls for Kyiv to make territorial concessions have sparked backlash among European leaders and Ukrainian officials alike.
As Trump prepares for his South Korea summit with Xi, expectations remain high but uncertain. With U.S.-China relations already strained by trade disputes and global competition, the success of Trump’s latest diplomatic outreach may hinge on whether Beijing is truly willing to pressure Moscow toward peace.
