Trump and Zelenskyy Hold "Productive" Private Meeting at St. Peter's Basilica

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private, 15-minute meeting on Saturday while attending the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. The two leaders sat together in St. Peter’s Basilica, without aides present, and discussed matters related to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. According to Zelenskyy’s office and images released by both Kyiv and Washington, the conversation was described as “productive,” although the details of their discussion were kept under wraps due to the sensitive nature of the topics covered.

Following the meeting, Zelenskyy briefly addressed the press, saying, “We had a really productive meeting. I don’t want to go into a lot of details, if possible, because the issue is very sensitive. Of course, it’s about how to bring peace.” He later shared on social media that the discussion could have historic significance if it leads to tangible outcomes in the ongoing war. Zelenskyy expressed hope that the meeting would pave the way for meaningful progress toward a resolution of the conflict.

This meeting marks the first in-person encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since their tense exchange in the Oval Office earlier this year. The timing of their conversation is significant, coming just days after a deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv on April 24, which killed 12 people and injured over 90. This attack, which struck a residential apartment block, highlights the continued devastation caused by Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

In a rare public criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump condemned the missile strikes, calling them “unnecessary.” Trump went on to suggest that Putin may not want to end the war, adding, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war.” He also proposed that secondary sanctions on Russia might be necessary if the aggression persists. This shift in Trump’s rhetoric came as part of his broader response to the worsening situation in Ukraine, and contrasted with his previous, more neutral stance toward Putin.

The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, was attended by over 200,000 mourners and numerous world leaders. Zelenskyy also met with other key figures during the event, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. All of these discussions centered on the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine and the importance of international unity in efforts to end the war.

The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in Rome came at a critical juncture in the negotiations to end the war. The private conversation underscored both leaders’ commitment to pursuing peace and finding a way to halt the violence that has ravaged Ukraine. Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of a lasting peace agreement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and guarantees the safety of its citizens.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy represents a step forward in diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war, and it remains to be seen whether it will lead to concrete actions in the coming weeks. With tensions still high, all eyes will be on the ongoing negotiations and the potential for a lasting peace in the region.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.