Trump and Zelenskiy Hold Key Vatican Meeting Amid Ukraine Peace Push

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately at the Vatican during Pope Francis’s funeral, aiming to revive stalled peace talks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. In a symbolic 15-minute conversation inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the two leaders discussed a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and a lasting peace. Both Kyiv and Washington released images of the rare one-on-one meeting, which Zelenskiy called potentially "historic."

Trump’s tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin shifted notably after the meeting. Posting on Truth Social, Trump criticized recent Russian missile attacks on civilian areas, hinting at tougher actions like banking or secondary sanctions if peace efforts fail. This marks a departure from Trump's earlier rhetoric, which often favored Putin over Zelenskiy.

After the meeting, Trump, Zelenskiy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were seen in a close discussion outside the basilica. Later, during the funeral sermon, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re emphasized Pope Francis’s consistent calls for peace.

However, deep differences remain. Documents from recent negotiations show Washington proposing legal recognition of Crimea as Russian territory—an idea Kyiv and European allies reject. Disagreements also persist over sanction relief timing, Ukraine’s security guarantees, and financial compensation.

Despite past personal tensions—including a heated Oval Office meeting earlier this year—both Trump and Zelenskiy recognize the necessity of cooperation. Trump seeks a swift diplomatic victory, while Zelenskiy needs U.S. pressure on Moscow to ease harsh demands. Notably, Zelenskiy maintained his wartime military-style attire in Rome, symbolizing solidarity with Ukrainians resisting the invasion.

The high-stakes Vatican meeting could mark a critical turning point in the search for an end to the devastating conflict.