In a significant diplomatic moment, former President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, just before the funeral of Pope Francis. This meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since a public dispute in February, where tensions had escalated amidst ongoing discussions about the war in Ukraine.
Trump's meeting with Zelensky was described as "very productive" by White House officials, while Zelensky expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that they covered crucial topics such as a full and unconditional ceasefire, and the need for a reliable and lasting peace to prevent further conflict. In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky remarked, "We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you @POTUS."
During the brief meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, Trump hinted at a potential shift in his approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the talks, Trump criticized Putin for recent missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, stating, "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!" This statement reflects Trump's growing skepticism about Putin's intentions and the possibility of achieving a peace deal.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions, as Russia had recently intensified its military actions in Ukraine, including a deadly missile attack on an apartment building in Kyiv that resulted in multiple casualties. Trump's remarks came just a day after he had claimed that a peace deal was "very close" and urged Zelensky to expedite negotiations. However, the Ukrainian leader has consistently rejected any proposals that would involve conceding territory, particularly Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
As the two leaders spoke, they were joined briefly by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing the international support for Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Macron later stated that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, and a coalition of nations, led by the UK and France, would continue to work towards a sustainable peace.
In the wake of the meeting, Trump reiterated his call for a high-level summit between Russia and Ukraine to finalize a peace agreement. The former president's envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met with Putin just days prior, discussing the potential for resuming direct negotiations between the two nations. However, direct talks have been stalled since the early weeks of the war, which began in February 2022.
Despite Trump's optimism, the situation remains complicated. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed that the meeting was a crucial step towards peace, calling it a "historic meeting" that could lead to significant progress if joint results are achieved. Meanwhile, Zelensky's administration is navigating a delicate diplomatic landscape, attempting to counter a U.S. proposal that many in Ukraine view as too favorable to Russia.
As the funeral for Pope Francis unfolded, a quarter of a million mourners gathered at the Vatican, highlighting the global significance of the occasion. The late pontiff had long advocated for peace in Ukraine, calling for dialogue and reconciliation. His legacy of promoting peace resonated as Trump and Zelensky met in the very location where the Pope had often prayed for an end to the conflict.
In a statement reflecting on the day's events, Zelensky noted, "Today has been a historic day," as he received applause from world leaders and dignitaries present at the funeral. The meeting with Trump was framed as a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure peace in Ukraine, with both leaders acknowledging the need for urgent action to protect lives and restore stability.
While the discussions in Rome were seen as a step forward, the complexities of the conflict remain. Trump has faced criticism for his previous remarks about Zelensky and the U.S. support for Ukraine, with some suggesting that his administration's approach could undermine Ukraine's position in peace negotiations. Nevertheless, the former president's willingness to engage directly with Zelensky signals a potential shift in U.S. diplomacy regarding the ongoing war.
As the situation evolves, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a resolution that honors the sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people and brings lasting peace to the region. The future of Ukraine hinges on the outcomes of these high-stakes discussions, and the world awaits further developments in the quest for peace.
