For Putin, Friday’s meeting is a chance to repair his relationship with Trump and unlace the West’s isolation of his country following its invasion of Ukraine 3 1/2 years ago. He’s been open about his desire to rebuild U.S.-Russia relations now that Trump is back in the White House.

Zelensky's visit to London followed his trip to Berlin, Germany, where on Wednesday he met with European leaders -- and spoke virtually with Trump -- to hammer out Ukraine's key demands in any peace negotiations to end Moscow's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.

The Russian leader senses a chance for more international recognition, while his American counterpart hopes to play peacemaker.