In a dramatic turn, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a surprise private meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, as efforts to end the war in Ukraine intensify
Trump and Zelensky huddled for 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica, discussing a potential ceasefire and pathways to peace.
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
Zelensky posted: “Hoping for results on everything we covered. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace.”
The White House described the meeting as “very productive,” though specifics remain under wraps.
After returning from Rome, Trump suggested on Truth Social that Russia’s recent attacks on Kyiv signal Putin might not be serious about peace:
“Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war… He has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions’? Too many people are dying!!!”
A Complicated Road to Ceasefire
- Trump claims Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal.”
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly met with Putin for three hours Friday, described as “constructive.”
- Zelensky emphasized readiness for dialogue but insisted on a “real signal” from Russia: “Such a signal is a complete and unconditional ceasefire.”
The “Ukraine Deal Framework”
- Full ceasefire monitored by the U.S. and international partners.
- Ukraine would get strong security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5.
- Talks on territory would start from current frontlines.
- Ukraine would regain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- Crimea remains a red line: Zelensky refused any deal recognizing Russian control.
Security, Not NATO Membership (Yet): Zelensky signalled pragmatism, accepting Ukraine won’t join NATO soon but demanding real protection:
“We have to understand what security guarantees Ukraine needs.”
He floated a U.S. “backstop” using cyber defence and Patriot missile systems.
In rare moments of diplomacy, Trump shook hands with France’s Macron and exchanged pleasantries with EU and Baltic leaders amid the funeral crowd — brief but symbolic gestures during a tense global moment.
Backdrop of New Fighting
- Russia claimed full control of Kursk, but Ukraine’s military said the fight continues.
- Thursday’s massive Russian missile strike killed 12 civilians in Kyiv, adding urgency to peace efforts.
Trump’s Vatican meeting with Zelensky—amid Beijing’s denials and escalating battles in Ukraine—highlights a frantic, high-stakes push to achieve a breakthrough.
Whether Putin truly wants peace remains the biggest unknown.
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