Trump and Zelenskiy Meet Briefly in Vatican Basilica Ahead of Pope Funeral
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately for a short moment in St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, aiming to advance stalled efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The 15-minute discussion, held before Pope Francis’ funeral, marked their first face-to-face encounter since a heated Oval Office clash in February.
A Symbolic Meeting
Zelenskiy described the meeting as potentially historic, stating on Telegram: “Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.”
He highlighted key topics, including “The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.”
White House communications director Steven Cheung called the discussion “very productive,” noting that further details would follow.
Photographs released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the leaders seated closely, engaged in intense conversation, with no aides present.
Another image captured them standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting broad international support for the talks.
Context
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment in ceasefire negotiations, with Trump pressing both Ukraine and Russia to reach an agreement.
On Friday, Trump claimed progress after talks between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian leaders in Moscow.
However, Zelenskiy has resisted territorial concessions, including ceding Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.
Trump has previously warned that U.S. efforts could falter without a deal soon.
Funeral of Pope Francis
Following their discussion, Trump and Zelenskiy joined world leaders at Pope Francis’ funeral in Saint Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, delivering the homily, echoed the late pope’s peace advocacy, stating, “War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone.”
A second meeting was discussed, but Trump’s departure from Rome left its status unclear, underscoring the urgency and fragility of the peace process.