**Kremlin Downplays Zelensky-Putin Talks as Trump Urges for Peace Meeting**

**In an escalating situation, Trump's call for a summit highlights the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, but skepticism remains high on both sides regarding a potential resolution.**

The Kremlin is downplaying speculation regarding a possible summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as former U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the necessity for the two leaders to engage in talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. This renewed call for negotiations follows Trump’s recent meeting with Putin in Alaska and discussions with Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House.

Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the conflict, stating, "It’s a tough one to solve," and indicated that it might be probable that Putin is not open to negotiations. "We'll see what President Putin ultimately wants in the next couple of weeks," he noted, suggesting uncertainty about the Kremlin's willingness to make peace concessions.

Though Putin expressed an openness to direct discussions with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov tempered expectations, indicating that a potential meeting would require preparation from the ground up, starting with expert-level discussions. Dmitry Polyanskiy, a representative from Russia at the United Nations, remarked that the idea of direct dialogue had not been rejected, but stressed that it should not be conducted as a mere formality.

In light of recent developments, Putin proposed a meeting scenario that involved Zelensky traveling to Moscow, a proposition unlikely to gain acceptance from Ukraine. This suggestion seemed to be an intentional offer that Kyiv would find unacceptable, illustrating the prevailing divide between the negotiating positions of the two nations.

As discussions progressed over recent days, Trump’s comprehension of the intricate nature of the war appeared to deepen, revealing the substantial gap between Russia's aims and Ukraine’s responses. Notably, the expected ceasefire that Trump suggested he could broker remains elusive, leading him to advocate for a direct permanent peace agreement, while emphasizing the need for security assurances for Ukraine in the event of successful negotiations.

Trump mentioned that the U.S. would be prepared to offer aerial support, contingent on European nations providing ground forces should a cessation of hostilities occur, although he ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine. However, he provided little clarity regarding the nature of such air support, raising questions about how deeply the U.S. would engage in the conflict.

While Trump's commitments remain vague, a coalition led by France and the UK is reportedly working on strategies for security guarantees in Ukraine if a ceasefire occurs. Following a virtual meeting of the group, a spokesperson indicated plans to strengthen these security assurances in coordination with the U.S.

After his meeting with Putin and recent talks with European leaders, Trump seems to harbor a belief that a direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia could forge a path toward peace, although he recognized significant animosity remains between the two presidents. Last meeting in 2019, relations have since deteriorated into a violent conflict resulting in deep economic and humanitarian crises.

Putin’s view of Zelensky as an illegitimate leader and his aggressive portrayal of Ukraine have complicated prospects for any negotiated settlement. Additionally, Russia appears uninterested in pursuing peace discussions while it holds tactical advantages on the battlefield. Nevertheless, Zelensky's willingness to explore meeting formats coupled with advocacy from European leaders reflects an ongoing hope for potential reconciliation, even as skepticism looms over the likelihood of fruitful outcomes.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian allies express growing doubts regarding achieving a resolution, as noted by French President Emmanuel Macron, who characterized Putin with harsh terms and signaled a lack of faith in a peace agreement. Increased high-level dialogues are on the horizon as European and U.S. officials address the prospects of military support and the broader implications on the continent's security landscape.