A private meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky took place yesterday, Saturday, at the Vatican, before Pope Francis’ funeral, in an effort to revive the faltering attempts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky stated that this meeting could prove historic if it brings about the kind of peace he hopes for, while a White House spokesperson described it as “very constructive.”
The two leaders, leaning closely toward one another, without advisors present, seated on two chairs inside St. Peter’s Basilica, spoke for about 15 minutes, according to Zelensky’s office. Photos of the meeting were released by both Kyiv and Washington.
The meeting at the Vatican — their first encounter since their confrontation at the Oval Office in Washington last February — comes at a critical moment for negotiations aiming to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
After the Pope’s funeral, Trump boarded Air Force One and departed from Rome. During the flight, he posted a message on Truth Social, adopting a harsh tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” Trump wrote. Twelve people died on Thursday when a missile launched by Russian forces struck an apartment building in Kyiv.
” It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!” Trump emphasized.
Following Trump’s remarks, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the Senate is ready to move forward with bipartisan legislation imposing trade sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, and other products.
“The Senate stands ready to move in this direction and will do so overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just and enduring peace,” Graham posted on X.
Trump’s post indicated a departure from his usual rhetoric, where he had often directed harsher criticism toward Zelensky while speaking more favorably about Putin.
On Telegram, Zelensky wrote: “Good meeting. Face-to-face, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope there will be tangible results from everything discussed.”
The Ukrainian president clarified that this includes: “Protecting the lives of our people. A full and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent future wars.”
“It was a very symbolic meeting that could become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!” Zelensky added.
No Advisors Present
In a photo released by Zelensky’s office, the Ukrainian and American presidents are seen sitting close together inside St. Peter’s Basilica, leaning toward each other as they speak, with no advisors visible nearby.
In another photo from the same location, Zelensky, Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron are seen standing and conversing, with Macron placing his hand on Zelensky’s shoulder.
After their meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Trump and Zelensky joined other world leaders outside in St. Peter’s Square to attend the funeral service for Pope Francis, who had made the pursuit of peace a central theme of his papacy.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who presided over the funeral, reminded attendees that Pope Francis never ceased to raise his voice in calling for negotiations to end conflicts.
“War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for all,” the Cardinal emphasized.
