In a highly symbolic meeting ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis, President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a private discussion described by both sides as “productive” and “constructive.” According to a White House statement released Saturday, the two leaders discussed the urgent need for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, along with broader efforts to establish a lasting peace that would prevent future conflict.
President Zelenskyy shared his impressions on social media, calling the meeting a “good one-on-one” conversation. He expressed hope that the topics they covered would produce tangible results, especially concerning the protection of Ukrainian civilians. “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results,” Zelenskyy posted, thanking Trump directly.
Donald Trump Expresses Doubts About Putin’s Intentions
Just hours after the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump posted a sharp commentary on Truth Social questioning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war. He pointed to recent missile attacks on civilian areas as evidence that Putin might not be negotiating in good faith. “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war,” Trump wrote, suggesting that alternative measures such as increased banking and secondary sanctions might be necessary.
The post underscores Donald Trump’s evolving approach as he tries to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, a conflict that has raged since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Trump’s comments also highlight growing frustration with the stalled efforts toward a negotiated settlement, despite earlier optimism conveyed by his envoy’s discussions with Russian officials in Europe.
Missed Opportunity for a Second Meeting
Following their initial discussion, both U.S. and Ukrainian teams worked swiftly to arrange a follow-up meeting later the same day. However, logistical challenges and tight schedules prevented a second face-to-face interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy. Shortly after the funeral ceremonies, Donald Trump departed Rome for the United States aboard Air Force One, cutting short any opportunity for extended diplomatic engagement.
Serhii Nykyforov, a spokesperson for Zelenskyy, explained that the leaders’ demanding timetables made it impossible to reconvene. Despite this, officials from both sides remained optimistic about future meetings, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue to advance peace initiatives and strengthen U.S.-Ukraine cooperation.
Donald Trump’s Presence at Pope Francis’ Funeral
President Donald Trump was one of over 50 heads of state and dignitaries who attended the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. Trump’s attendance was seen as a mark of respect, despite the sometimes contentious relationship he shared with the late pontiff. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, he paid homage to Francis, who had publicly disagreed with Trump on issues like immigration and climate change.
During the ceremony, President Zelenskyy’s arrival was met with a warm round of applause from the gathered crowd, underscoring global sympathy for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. Trump, meanwhile, briefly interacted with Britain’s Prince William and several other world leaders, though he insisted beforehand that holding formal meetings during a funeral was “a little disrespectful.”
A Renewed Push for High-Level Talks
Even as he traveled to Rome, Trump hinted at the possibility of holding several diplomatic discussions on the sidelines of the funeral, though he downplayed expectations of formal negotiations out of deference to the solemn occasion. Nonetheless, he continued to advocate for “very high level talks” between Ukraine and Russia to bring an end to the three-year war, suggesting that both sides were “very close to a deal” according to discussions led by his envoy, Steve Witkoff.
As he left Rome, Trump expressed determination to continue pursuing peace, although he acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “Too many people are dying,” he said in his Truth Social post, hinting at a potential escalation of economic measures against Russia if diplomatic overtures fail. Trump’s renewed efforts signal that, despite the somber setting, momentum for serious negotiations could be building under his informal leadership.
