Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump met at the Vatican on Saturday. Their reunion, the first since they were pictured publicly arguing at the White House, could be “historic,” said Zelenskyy.
Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to… pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2025
The two leaders had a one-on-one meeting at St Peter’s Basilica in preparation for Pope Francis’ funeral. They met while Trump advocates for a complete ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Both sides now hope to reboot serious negotiations.
Meeting That Could Reframe the Peace Initiative
Photos captured Trump and Zelenskyy sitting only two feet from each other, leaning forward over a marble hallway. The two “had a very productive discussion,” a White House official reported.
Zelenskyy subsequently stated on X that the discussion could be “historic” if it results in enduring peace. He confirmed they also spoke about defending Ukraine, the requirement of a full ceasefire, and the aspiration for a lasting solution to avoid future wars.
The session took around 15 minutes. Zelenskyy’s press secretary confirmed that they agreed to resume negotiations later on Saturday. Trump, however, departed Rome immediately after the funeral, and the timing of future negotiations was left uncertain.
World Leaders Bear Witness to Historic Moment
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer witnessed part of the negotiations. The French presidency labeled the meeting as “positive.”
After showing respects at the coffin of Pope Francis, Zelenskyy was applauded by other world leaders, a testament to the global support that Ukraine still enjoys.
Sir Tony Brenton, who used to be the British ambassador to Russia, said to Sky News that this may prove to be an important diplomatic window. He proposed that the Trump-Zelenskyy meetings could represent “an important step” toward reviving direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Larger Diplomatic Moves Behind the Scenes
This two-way meeting follows Trump’s peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as “constructive” and mentioned talks about reviving direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations.
Trump has repeatedly expressed himself as wanting to reach a peace agreement in a hurry. He has threatened that if negotiations are stuck, his administration might abandon its diplomatic efforts. In recent statements, he urged both sides to “get it done.”
In the meantime, tensions remain elevated. Poland has reported a Russian military helicopter breaching its airspace above the Baltic Sea on Friday. Polish forces characterized it as a “test” of their air defence capabilities.
Hope and Skepticism: What Happens Next?
The Trump-Zelenskyy summit is actual hope for the conclusion of the Ukraine war. Yet, profound distrust exists on both sides. Russia and Ukraine have not engaged in direct negotiations since the initial weeks of the 2022 invasion.
Although Trump’s optimism provides momentum, significant hurdles still exist. In the meantime, both leaders have made a symbolic gesture, demonstrating that conversation continues to be an option despite extreme strain.
