LONDON — U.S. President Donald Trump has called for an in-person meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump believes this meeting could help pave the way for an end to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has lasted over three years.

Zelenskyy and Putin last met in 2019, during negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict that began with Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014. That meeting concluded with promises to implement ceasefire measures and release prisoners of war, but little progress has been made since then.

Trump's comments about the relationship between the two leaders highlight the long-standing tensions stemming from years of Russian aggression. He has suggested that his recent discussions with both leaders could lead to a significant breakthrough. However, it remains uncertain whether Putin will agree to the proposed meeting, despite the White House's claims of his willingness.

The ongoing war has intensified, with both leaders viewing the conflict as existential. While Trump is optimistic following a summit with Putin in Alaska and meetings with Zelenskyy and European leaders, the prospect of a successful meeting is still in doubt. "I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if he's not, it's going to be a rough situation," Trump stated. He also emphasized the need for Zelenskyy to show flexibility.

Despite Trump's enthusiasm, skepticism surrounds the likelihood of the meeting. Putin has historically avoided direct engagement with Zelenskyy, often undermining his legitimacy by referring to his government as the "Kyiv regime." Ukrainian officials have expressed doubts about Putin's willingness to meet, citing a history of refusals.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak noted that Zelenskyy survived numerous assassination attempts during the early stages of the invasion, further complicating the dynamics between the two leaders.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is open to various forms of dialogue but emphasized the need for careful preparation. "We are not rejecting any forms of work — neither bilateral nor trilateral," he said. Lavrov suggested that any meeting should be organized gradually, starting from expert-level discussions.

Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat, remarked on the ambiguity of Russian statements regarding the meeting. He noted that Western diplomacy typically announces intentions openly, while Russian officials tend to operate differently.

A source close to the Ukrainian government expressed deep skepticism about Putin's commitment to the meeting, citing a history of refusals. "Because the track record is that Putin has said 'no' to everything," the source said.

Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, expressed doubt about the meeting occurring, suggesting that Putin might avoid it to escape the optics of facing a younger, democratic leader.

The potential meeting lacks a confirmed location, with Switzerland and Budapest mentioned as possible venues. If it proceeds, significant logistical and security preparations will be necessary.

The divide between Ukraine and Russia on key issues, particularly territorial disputes and post-war security guarantees, remains substantial. Peace proposals from both sides have shown little alignment.

Putin's stance on Ukraine has not shifted, as he continues to assert that Ukraine is not a legitimate state. This ideological position complicates any potential negotiations.

As discussions progress, the U.S. and European leaders are cautious about their approach, balancing support for Ukraine with the need to engage with Russia. If a meeting occurs, it could represent a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, but the outcome remains uncertain.