Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump in Rome hours after Trump said Ukraine and Russia are “very close” to agreeing a ceasefire. The two leaders met as they were both attending Pope Francis’ funeral. It was their first face-to-face meeting since they had their fiery White House confrontation in February. Trump’s words suggested a breakthrough in peace negotiations.
But Crimea, lethal attacks on Kyiv, and new bloodshed in Moscow continue to cloud the way. The encounter catches a pivotal moment where optimism for peace is confronted with profound and agonizing realities.
Zelenskyy and Trump Reunite
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s representative Sergiy Nykyforov confirmed the meeting. He said that it “took place and is already over” without providing further information. The two leaders had not met since their sudden falling out last February.
Their new meeting indicates an attempt to restore dialogue in spite of tensions and disagreements regarding major issues.
Trump Says Ukraine and Russia Close to Ceasefire
Earlier in the day, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine were “very close” to achieving a ceasefire. He implored both parties to meet at the top level to “finish it off.” His positive attitude is a stark difference compared to his previous threats to pull US support if negotiations collapsed.
He threatened that if Russia refused to accept the deal, “Things will happen.”
Zelenskyy Refuses to Surrender Crimea
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held fast on Crimea. He asserted that Ukraine would not give up the peninsula. His firm stance makes any speedy bargain difficult. There are reports the United States had offered freezing lines and recognizing Russian control over Crimea in exchange for peace. But Zelenskyy’s refusal cuts that avenue short.
Putin Meets US Envoy as Violence Grows
Russian President Vladimir Putin also received US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said their meeting was “constructive.” They discussed resuming direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
But optimism fell after a top Russian general was killed in a car bombing near Moscow. The assassination brought fresh pressure to bear on the tenuous peace effort.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow is “ready to make a deal” but noted that numerous “details” remain to be solved.
Fragile Diplomacy: Hope Meets Skepticism
The Rome summit and recent diplomacy indicate momentum toward negotiations. But continuing violence, Ukraine’s refusal to budge on Crimea, and skepticism in the US administration indicate how fragile the situation is.
As Ukraine and Russia move toward negotiations, entrenched distrust and tough concessions still loom over prospects for durable peace.
