President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a 15-minute private meeting in a Vatican Basilica during their visit to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral.
The 15-minute discussion, held on April 26, 2025, was described as “very productive” by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and was aimed at revitalizing peace negotiations to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
“It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!” said Zelenskyy.
Further, Zelenskyy’s office described the exchange as open and strategic, focused on reinvigorating the stalled peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Trump Meets Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ Funeral
In a Telegram post, President Zelenskyy referred to the meeting as “productive,” highlighting that the private setting allowed for meaningful discussions.
“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.
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the two leaders sat facing each other, engaged in a private 15-minute conversation with no aides in sight. Additionally, during the service, Zelensky and Trump were seated a few seats away from each other, with French President Emmanuel Macron and several other world leaders placed between them.
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Another Planned Meeting?
Zelenskyy stated that their conversation focused on protecting the Ukrainian population, achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, and securing a stable, long-term peace that would ensure the conflict does not reignite.
A spokesperson for Zelenskyy had previously mentioned that aides to both leaders were coordinating plans for a follow-up meeting later that day in Rome.
However, U.S. President Trump departed Rome for Washington aboard Air Force One shortly after Pope Francis’ funeral, with no additional talks taking place.
According to Zelenskyy’s office explained that the follow-up meeting couldn’t take place as originally intended, citing time limitations on both sides.
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Trump & Zelenskyy War
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia’s broader objective is to dismantle the United States, insisting that Ukraine’s fight against Moscow indirectly protects American interests.
In a conversation with Ben Shapiro, founder of The Daily Wire, released on Thursday April 24, 2025, Zelensky referenced to the war, noting that the Soviet Union had long pursued strategies aimed at triggering nuclear confrontation with the US and NATO allies.
Despite previous tensions between the two leaders, the meeting was seen as a significant step toward achieving a lasting ceasefire and peace agreement.
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