Trump and Zelenskiy Hold “Very Productive” Meeting in Rome Amid Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met in Rome on Saturday for what the White House described as a “very productive” discussion, ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican. This marks their first face-to-face interaction since a tense Oval Office exchange in February, highlighting a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations during a critical phase in Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations.

Trump and Zelenskiy Meet at Vatican Before Pope Francis Funeral

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The two leaders spoke privately for approximately 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Zelenskiy’s office confirmed that a second meeting is scheduled for later on Saturday, with their respective teams arranging details.

Photographs released by Zelenskiy’s office show the two presidents in an intimate discussion in a grand marble hall. In another image, Trump and Zelenskiy are seen standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, with Macron showing a gesture of solidarity by placing a hand on Zelenskiy’s shoulder.

Critical Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks at Stake

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President Trump has been advocating for a swift ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, and on Friday mentioned that talks between his envoy and Russian officials had been “productive.” He is calling for a high-level meeting between Kyiv and Moscow to finalize a peace agreement. However, Trump also warned that the U.S. may withdraw from mediation efforts if progress stalls.

Despite the push for peace, significant differences remain. According to leaked documents reviewed by Reuters, Washington’s proposal includes recognizing Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — as Russian territory. This suggestion is a non-starter for Kyiv and many European allies, who view it as a critical red line.

Disagreements on Sanctions and Security Guarantees

Beyond territorial disputes, key issues still under negotiation include:

• The timeline for lifting Western sanctions on Russia
• Security guarantees for Ukraine post-ceasefire
• Financial compensation and aid for rebuilding Ukraine

These points remain major sticking areas in the broader negotiation framework.

Trump and Zelenskiy: A Strained but Necessary Alliance

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The relationship between Trump and Zelenskiy has been rocky. Their last meeting in the White House ended with Trump accusing the Ukrainian president of “gambling with World War Three.” In return, Zelenskiy criticized Trump for being caught in a “disinformation bubble” that favors Russia.

Yet both leaders are now seeking cooperation. Trump needs Zelenskiy’s support to fulfill his campaign promise of ending the war, while Zelenskiy requires U.S. leverage to push Moscow toward a more favorable peace deal.

Zelenskiy’s Symbolic Military Attire Continues

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Zelenskiy continued his wartime tradition by wearing a dark, military-style outfit in Rome — a buttoned-up shirt and jacket, no tie. This attire, which he has consistently worn since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, is intended to show solidarity with Ukrainian troops on the front lines.