Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held an unplanned 15-minute meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica before Pope Francis’s funeral – their first face-to-face discussion since a tense Oval Office encounter in February. The White House called the talks “very productive,” while Zelensky described them as “very symbolic” with potential to become “historic.”
The leaders were photographed in intense conversation, seated opposite each other in the basilica. The meeting occurred amid renewed tensions after Russia’s missile strikes on Kyiv earlier this week, which prompted Trump to question Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace. “There’s no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting alternative pressure tactics like banking restrictions or secondary sanctions.
Despite Trump’s recent claims that both sides were “very close to a deal,” the talks revealed ongoing divisions. The US president has repeatedly criticized Zelensky for allegedly obstructing negotiations, telling him in February that Ukraine “doesn’t have the cards” to win the war. Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated Putin confirmed readiness for direct talks “without preconditions” during discussions with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
The Vatican meeting appeared facilitated by European leaders, with photos showing Trump and Zelensky alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Macron later emphasized shared goals with Trump for ending the war, while Zelensky reiterated openness to an “unconditional ceasefire” as a first step. However, Ukraine continues to resist US pressure for territorial concessions, including recognition of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
Zelensky held follow-up meetings with Macron and Starmer, while Trump departed Rome shortly after the funeral. The encounter highlighted both fragile diplomatic progress and persistent disagreements over Ukraine’s negotiating position as the conflict drags on.
Behind Scenes, Vatican City—President Trump sat down to meet privately with Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica… pic.twitter.com/zzC78AgbNh
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) April 26, 2025
