Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that his recent brief meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican was the most productive encounter they’ve had so far.
The meeting at the Vatican marks their first gathering since a heated confrontation in the Oval Office in Washington last February, and it occurs at a crucial moment in negotiations intended to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In comments issued by his presidential administration, Zelenskiy stated that he and Trump concurred that a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow represents the correct first step toward peace in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He mentioned discussing sanctions with Trump during the meeting, noting that the U.S. president’s response was “very strong.” Zelenskiy did not provide further details on this.
Does the meeting mark a turning point in the war?
A week earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately on Saturday in the marble-adorned Vatican Basilica during Pope Francis’ funeral, aiming to reinvigorate stalled initiatives to conclude Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelenskiy stated that the meeting might become historic if it achieves the peace he desires, while a White House spokesperson described it as “very productive.”
Can symbolic gestures bring real diplomatic outcomes?
The two leaders, seated closely together without aides in St. Peter’s Basilica, talked for around 15 minutes, as reported by Zelenskiy’s office and shown in images released by both Kyiv and Washington.
Following Pope Francis’s funeral, Trump boarded Air Force One and left Rome. While airborne, he shared a social media post in which he adopted a firm stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,”
Trump said.
“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!!!”
Trump stated.
Trump’s remarks marked a shift from his typical rhetoric, which has typically featured severe criticism of Zelenskiy while expressing approval of Putin.
On the other hand, Zelenskiy said:
“Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.”
He said those topics included:
“The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.”
Zelenskiy also said:
“It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!”
