Why is a potential Trump-Putin summit more significant than a phone call?

A summit between President Trump and President Putin would be a major diplomatic event on the world stage, far exceeding the significance of a phone call. Such a meeting would symbolize the potential restoration of US-Russia relations after a prolonged period of tension during the Ukraine war. The summit would provide a powerful photo opportunity that both leaders desire - Trump would gain international credibility while Putin would cement his return to global diplomatic prominence. As Jill Daugherty explains, while such high-profile engagement carries symbolic weight, it's important to note that this diplomatic reconnection isn't necessarily negative, despite potential concerns about its implications for Ukraine.