Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump, talk on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
| Published April 26, 2025
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral. Their meeting was described by U.S. officials as “very productive,” with discussions focused on achieving a lasting peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky posted afterward that the talks were promising, emphasizing hopes for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and a “reliable and lasting peace” to prevent future conflict. This meeting marked the first significant interaction between Trump and Zelensky since a previous Oval Office dispute over peace terms earlier this year.
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 become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you
This is the first meeting between Trump and Zelensky since their showdown in the Oval Office in February, where Zelensky sabotaged peace negotiations with President Trump by disrespecting him in the Oval Office and reneging on a pre-agreed-upon peace deal.
Trump has recently criticized both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin — slamming Zelensky for comments about Crimea and urging Putin to halt missile strikes on Kyiv. Despite past tensions, Trump believes both sides are now closer to an agreement. Another meeting between Trump and Zelensky is reportedly planned, aiming to move the peace process forward.
Here’s a brief clip of the exchange between Trump and Zelensky:
Details on the meeting were not provided, but according to Fox, a White House spokesperson described the meeting as “very productive.”
Implications of President Trump’s Meeting with President Zelensky in Rome
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Shift Toward Negotiated Settlement
Trump’s engagement with Zelensky signals a stronger U.S. preference for diplomatic negotiations over extended military involvement. This could reshape how Western nations approach support for Ukraine moving forward. -
U.S. Global Leadership Reassertion
By taking a direct role in brokering talks, Trump is positioning the U.S. once again as the primary power capable of facilitating peace, potentially sidelining European-led efforts. -
Pressure on Russia
The meeting sends a clear message to Moscow: the U.S. is serious about ending the war — but now on terms that may not fully align with Russian expectations. -
Impact on NATO and Allies
Trump’s move could create tension within NATO, especially if European leaders prefer continuing military support rather than immediate negotiations. Allies may be forced to reevaluate their own strategies. -
Zelensky’s Changing Position
By meeting Trump and signaling openness to talks, Zelensky is subtly shifting from a purely defensive stance to one more adaptable to diplomatic outcomes — possibly influenced by war fatigue at home and abroad. -
Domestic Political Boost for Trump
Leading a potential peace deal would bolster Trump’s image domestically as a dealmaker and global leader, strengthening his hand for major foreign policy victories. -
Uncertainty Ahead
While the meeting was described as “productive,” many factors — including Russia’s reaction, the conditions discussed, and Ukraine’s internal politics — could either accelerate peace or complicate it further.
Overall takeaway:
President Trump’s meeting with President Zelensky in Rome shows a major push toward a negotiated end to the Ukraine-Russia war. It repositions the U.S. as a lead player in global diplomacy, signals a shift in Ukraine’s stance toward openness to talks, and highlights growing pressure for a ceasefire. While progress is possible, challenges remain depending on Russia’s response, NATO dynamics, and Ukraine’s internal politics.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – (VIDEO) President Trump Meets with Zelensky in Rome to Discuss Peace Deal with Russia
THE KYIV INDEPENDENT – Zelensky meets Trump for ‘productive’ meeting at Pope Francis’s funeral, White House says
AXIOS – Trump and Zelensky met on sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral
FRANCE 24 – Trump, Zelensky meet one-on-one in Vatican basilica to seek peace in Ukraine
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