Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump reunited in Rome for their first encounter since February’s fiery Oval Office confrontation. The Trump-Zelensky meeting took place at St. Peter’s Basilica just before Pope Francis’s funeral began on Saturday.
Captured photos showed both leaders in intense discussion, seated across from each other, minutes before the solemn ceremony started. The White House called the 15-minute conversation “very productive,” while Zelensky praised it as “symbolic” and potentially “historic” if progress followed.
Later that day, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting fresh sanctions might be necessary after renewed missile strikes on Kyiv. In a pointed social media post, Trump questioned Putin’s true intentions and expressed doubts about Moscow’s commitment to peace.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated Putin had reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to hold direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions during separate discussions with US intermediaries. Another image captured UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron speaking with Trump and Zelensky inside the Basilica. Observers believed Macron and Starmer played a key role in easing tensions during the emotionally charged Vatican setting.
Following the funeral, Trump departed Rome immediately, while Zelensky stayed for additional meetings with European and British leaders. Zelensky met with Macron at Villa Bonaparte and later sat down with Starmer at the British ambassador’s residence, Villa Wolkonsky.
Macron later posted on X, emphasizing a shared objective with Trump: securing an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. Downing Street reported that Starmer and Zelensky discussed momentum toward achieving a “just and lasting peace” and pledged to continue talks.
Back in February, Trump harshly criticized Zelensky, accusing him of risking global conflict by resisting proposed ceasefire plans. Trump has pressured Ukraine to consider territorial concessions, including Crimea, to end the war, an idea Zelensky has consistently rejected.
Speaking before the Rome trip, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would only negotiate following a complete, unconditional ceasefire agreement. Despite apparent tensions, the meeting injected new life into peace discussions, although significant challenges remain.
