Trump and Zelenskyy Hold Private Meeting at Vatican Ahead of Pope’s Funeral

April 26, 2025 TruthUSA

Both leaders spoke highly of their conversation.

On April 26, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a brief one-on-one discussion within St. Peter’s Basilica before joining other dignitaries for Pope Francis’s funeral.

The exchange occurred prior to the commencement of the funeral Mass, at a moment when the expansive basilica was closed off to allow world leaders and diplomats to pay their respects at the pontiff’s closed casket.

Images circulated on social media showing Trump and Zelenskyy seated together, appearing deep in conversation in a corner.

This marked their first in-person meeting since a contentious encounter in the Oval Office last February, which concluded with Zelenskyy being asked to leave.

Commentators noted the significance of their meeting location, including Trump’s National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz, who remarked, “Nothing like some tough diplomacy in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

The White House later confirmed that the meeting took place.

“President Trump and President Zelenskyy had a constructive meeting today,” stated Steven Cheung, White House communications director, to reporters. “Additional details about the meeting will be provided later.”

White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino shared a “behind the scenes” video on X, capturing cardinals arranging chairs for the two leaders, along with some remarks made to French President Emmanuel Macron.

No further talks occurred following the funeral. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump promptly returned to Air Force One to head back to the United States.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Trump, stating it was a fruitful meeting.

“We discussed a lot in private,” Zelenskyy said on X. “I hope to see tangible outcomes from our discussions. The safety of our people is paramount. We seek a full and unconditional ceasefire, aiming for a reliable and enduring peace to avert any further conflict. This was a symbolically significant meeting that holds the potential to be historic, provided we achieve collaborative results.”

This conversation took place less than 24 hours after Trump remarked on having “a productive day discussing matters” with Ukraine and Russia.

“They are very close to reaching an agreement, and both sides should now engage at very senior levels to finalize the deal. Most of the main issues have been resolved,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “Stop the bloodshed, now. We will be wherever necessary to help facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war!”

In a subsequent post on his social media platform, Trump reiterated his belief that President Barack Obama allowed Crimea to fall into Russian control, asserting that the ongoing conflict is a result of President Joe Biden’s actions.

Nevertheless, he expressed skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s desire for peace, suggesting that he might face additional U.S. sanctions for continuing the conflict.

“Despite all this, there was no justification for Putin to be launching missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the past few days,” he stated. “It makes me wonder if he truly wants to end the war or if he is merely dragging it out—this requires a different approach, perhaps through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many lives are lost!!!”

Putin conveyed his condolences and commended Pope Francis for fostering “dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as constructive collaboration between Russia and the Holy See.” However, the Kremlin announced on April 22 that Putin would not attend the funeral.

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