VATICAN CITY — U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately on Saturday inside a marble-clad Vatican basilica during their visit to Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral. Their one-on-one conversation aimed to revive stalled efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskiy described the meeting as potentially historic, depending on whether it leads to meaningful progress toward peace. A White House spokesperson called the discussion “very productive.”
Seated closely without aides in St. Peter’s Basilica, the two leaders spoke for about 15 minutes, according to images and details released by Kyiv and Washington. This was their first meeting since a tense Oval Office encounter in February.
The talks come at a pivotal moment in attempts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. After attending the funeral, Trump departed Rome aboard Air Force One. While in flight, he posted a strongly worded message on Truth Social, criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for the recent missile attacks on civilian areas, which killed twelve people in Kyiv.
“There was no reason for Putin to be firing missiles into cities and towns,” Trump wrote. “It makes me wonder if he truly wants peace or is just stalling. He may need to be dealt with differently — through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions.’ Too many are dying!”
Following Trump’s remarks, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced the Senate was prepared to advance bipartisan legislation imposing trade sanctions on nations buying Russian energy products, should Moscow reject a fair peace settlement.
Trump’s critical stance toward Putin marked a shift from his usual rhetoric, which has often been more favorable to Russia and critical of Zelenskiy.
On Telegram, Zelenskiy said: “Good meeting. One-on-one, we covered a lot of ground. We are hopeful for meaningful results.” He emphasized discussions on protecting civilians, achieving an unconditional ceasefire, and establishing a durable, lasting peace.
“It was a symbolic meeting that could become historic if it leads to real outcomes. Thank you, President Donald Trump!” Zelenskiy added.
Private and Symbolic Encounter
Photographs released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the two leaders sitting about two feet apart, leaning in for an intense conversation. No aides were visible.
Another image captured Trump, Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron gathered closely together, with Macron placing a hand on Zelenskiy’s shoulder in a show of solidarity.
Following their private conversation, Trump and Zelenskiy joined other world leaders outside in Saint Peter’s Square for the funeral service. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a sermon recalling Pope Francis’s unwavering calls for peaceful negotiation and reminding mourners that war is always a “tragic defeat for all.”
Ongoing Differences Over Peace Terms
Trump has pushed for both Moscow and Kyiv to reach a peace deal, warning that U.S. support might wane if talks stall. However, documents from the latest shuttle diplomacy reveal deep divisions between Trump’s proposals and Ukraine’s position.
Washington is reportedly willing to formally recognize Crimea as Russian territory — a step Kyiv and its European allies flatly reject. Other sticking points include the timeline for lifting sanctions on Russia, security guarantees for Ukraine, and financial reparations.
Trump and Zelenskiy’s personal relationship has been strained. During their February meeting, Trump accused Zelenskiy of “gambling with World War Three.” Meanwhile, Zelenskiy has criticized Trump for living in a “disinformation bubble” favoring Moscow, while Trump has accused Zelenskiy of delaying peace efforts and making “provocative” remarks.
Despite tensions, both leaders recognize the need for cooperation. Trump requires Zelenskiy’s participation to broker a peace deal, while Ukraine needs U.S. pressure on Moscow to soften its demands.
Notably, Zelenskiy maintained his signature military-style dress — a dark shirt and jacket — at the Vatican, continuing the wartime image he has embraced since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, avoiding formal suits as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine’s soldiers.
