What significance does the US-Russia meeting hold for international relations and how is it being perceived globally?

The US-Russia meeting represents a major diplomatic win for the Kremlin after being isolated from the West both diplomatically and financially. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov interpreted it as the US finally starting to listen to Moscow, calling it a thaw in relations. However, this meeting has alarmed European leaders, who view it as an 'unthinkable alliance' between Putin and Trump that marginalizes Europe. President Trump falsely blamed Ukraine for the war and claimed he has the power to end it, despite Russia being the actual aggressor that invaded Ukraine.