President Trump on March 20 invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the White House for a summit between both nations, but recent expulsions of diplomats from both countries may affect the meeting's chances of ever taking place.

"During a telephone conversation between our presidents, Trump suggested that the first meeting could be held in Washington," Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov told journalists, adding that the exact date for the talks was not discussed, according to Tass, the country's state-run media outlet.

"In the wake of the recent developments, it would be difficult to discuss a summit," he said, adding that Russia believes a summit "would be rather important and beneficial for both countries, as well as for the entire global community."

“As the President himself confirmed on March 20, hours after his last call with President Putin, the two had discussed a bilateral meeting in the ‘not-too-distant future’ at a number of potential venues, including the White House. We have nothing further to add at this time,” White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement.

Trump issued the proposal prior to expelling 60 Russian diplomats from the U.S. in retaliation for Moscow's use of chemical weapons against a former Russian spy in the U.K.

It's not clear whether Putin has accepted Trump's invitation to travel to Washington, according to an Agence France-Presse reporter.

A senior U.S. official added that "no planning has begun as yet."

Putin has not visited Trump at his residence or vice versa in the 14 months the U.S. leader has been in office.

The U.S. took action against Russia following Britain's expelling Russian diplomats in the wake of a murder of a former Russian spy.