VATICAN CITY, April 26 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US. President Donald Trump met privately on Saturday in Vatican City, pressing for a full and unconditional ceasefire ahead of the funeral for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Describing the meeting as “very symbolic” and laden with hope for “reliable and lasting peace,” Zelenskyy posted on X that they discussed “a lot one-on-one” and raised the need for protecting civilian lives.
“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,” Zelenskyy wrote.
“Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you POTUS.”
The discussion marks a significant shift since the leaders’ strained encounter earlier this year. In February, tensions flared during a White House meeting, where Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Zelenskyy over what they perceived as insufficient gratitude for American aid, Al Jazeera reported.
During the same event, a U.S. reporter accused Zelenskyy of showing disrespect by not wearing formal attire.
Saturday’s engagement was seen as “very productive,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said.
“President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately today and had a very productive discussion. More details about the meeting will follow,” Cheung noted, according to Al Jazeera.
The backdrop of their talks carried additional emotional weight.
Just two months ago, on February 23 — one day before the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war — Pope Francis had expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
“Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the full-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for all of humanity!” the Pope said during his Angelus address, Vatican News reported.
He added, “As I renew my solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan.”
The conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy now raises fresh possibilities for de-escalation, with both leaders signaling interest in breakthroughs that could move the conflict closer to an end.
