Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Friday that he may not attend Saturday’s funeral of Pope Francis, which US President Donald Trump also will attend, because of crucial “military meetings.”
Zelensky on Pope Francis’s Funeral in Vatican
Zelensky previously stated he would be going to the Vatican funeral, where he wished to meet Trump who is pressuring Kyiv and Moscow to finalize an agreement on the three-year conflict in Ukraine. With ongoing tensions and conflict along the eastern frontlines, Zelensky had expressed hopes of using the high-profile occasion to hold discussions with global leaders, especially Trump, who has been vocal in urging both sides to accelerate diplomatic solutions.
Kyiv Strike Prompts Urgent Military Meetings
“If I am not (there) in time, Ukraine will be represented at a proper level,” Zelensky said as he visited the site of a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv. His remarks came during a somber appearance in the capital, where emergency responders and civilians were still recovering from the aftermath of the missile attack.
“The foreign minister and the first lady will be there. As for me, it was important for me to be here. There are several military meetings in Ukraine today,” he added. These meetings, according to local reports, are expected to involve top military commanders and defense officials focusing on security assessments and possible retaliatory measures.
Deadly Strike Raises New Questions
Zelensky indicated he would have a “series of meetings,” including on the bombardment of Kyiv that had resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals a day before. The attack was one of the deadliest in recent months, further intensifying the conflict that has already displaced millions and strained Ukraine’s defense resources.
“There are several closed questions about this strike. And about Ukraine’s corresponding steps. I don’t know how long it will take. So if I have time, I will definitely be present (at the funeral),” he said.
Zelensky earlier said North Korea supplied the missile Russia fired on Kyiv, which contained dozens of components from US firms. The claim has raised concerns about international arms trade loopholes and growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang amid the ongoing war.
