Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen as unlikely to meet with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, since such a step could bolster Zelensky’s standing on the international stage and lend him additional political legitimacy. This assessment was outlined by political analysts writing for Politico.

Observers noted that a high-level meeting with Putin would inevitably strengthen Zelensky’s legitimacy, something the Kremlin has repeatedly denied he possesses.

Another reason cited for avoiding such a summit lies in Moscow’s broader strategy toward U. S. President Donald Trump. According to the publication, the Kremlin seeks to keep control of the situation by setting its own terms and maintaining ambiguity — a tactic aimed at restraining Trump while minimizing the risk of a sharp response that could trigger new sanctions.

Trump himself has previously stated that he was not certain a meeting between Putin and Zelensky would take place. At the same time, he emphasized that if the peace process were to collapse, both Russia and Ukraine could face sanctions.