Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held a private meeting in the Vatican this morning ahead of the Pope’s funeral. The two global leaders were seated in close proximity on elegant chairs inside St Peter’s Basilica, where the Pope’s body was lying before the funeral ceremony commenced. The White House described the meeting as “productive,” with Presidents Trump and Zelensky engaging in a brief but fruitful discussion that lasted about 15 minutes.
Following their tribute to Pope Francis I, the two leaders are scheduled to reconvene later today for a more detailed conversation as the United States anticipates progress towards a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer also joined them for a lively discussion before gathering on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica.
This face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelensky marks their first encounter since a contentious exchange in the White House earlier this year. The meeting today signifies a potential thaw in relations, although recent remarks from Trump suggest lingering tensions. Zelensky remains firm in rejecting proposed terms for a peace deal, emphasizing Ukraine’s refusal to acknowledge the occupation of Crimea.
Peace negotiations have been described as positive by the US, with recent talks between American and Russian representatives showing progress towards a potential agreement. Trump expressed optimism following discussions in Moscow and called for high-level engagement between Russia and Ukraine to finalize the deal.