Trump and Zelensky met on sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral

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Source: Axios

1 hour ago


Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Trump, talk on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral. Photo: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP


President Trump and Ukrainian president Zelensky met on Saturday in Rome on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral and discussed the effort to end the war with Russia.

Why it matters: This was the first meeting between Trump and Zelensky since their explosive Oval Office shouting match in late February, which led to an unprecedented diplomatic crisis.

The two leaders met as Trump calls for a high-level summit between Russia and Ukraine "to finish it off" and get a peace deal.

Zoom in: Trump and Zelensky first huddled for a few minutes with French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer, then set down for a 15-minute one-on-one meeting inside the St. Peter's Basilica.

"President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately today and had a very productive discussion," White House communications director Steven Cheung said.

What they're saying: Zelensky posted on X that he and Trump had a "good meeting" and stressed the need for a "full and unconditional ceasefire and a 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," Zelensky added.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/26/trump-zelensky-pope-funeral-meeting