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Trump and Zelensky Meet at Vatican to Discuss Ukraine Peace, Signaling Potential Shift in U.S.-Ukraine Relations
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met one-on-one in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 26, on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral, in a 15-minute discussion described as “very productive” by the White House and “potentially historic” by Zelensky. The meeting, their first face-to-face encounter since a contentious Oval Office clash in February, aimed to revive faltering efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. The conversation, held against the somber backdrop of the Vatican, underscored both the urgency of peace negotiations and the complex dynamics between the two leaders, with implications for U.S. foreign policy and Ukraine’s future.
Details of the Conversation
The meeting took place in a marble-lined hall of St. Peter’s Basilica, with Trump and Zelensky seated opposite each other, leaning in closely with no aides present, according to photographs released by Ukraine’s Presidential Press Service. Zelensky’s office reported that the leaders “discussed a lot one-on-one,” focusing on achieving a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and a “reliable and lasting peace” to prevent further escalation. Zelensky emphasized protecting Ukrainian lives and expressed hope for “results on everything we covered.”
While specific details of the conversation remain limited, the White House confirmed the discussion was private and productive, with more details to follow. Sources indicate the talks centered on ceasefire negotiations, with Trump pushing for a swift peace deal that could involve Ukraine ceding control of occupied territories, a proposal Zelensky has historically resisted. Zelensky, however, reiterated his stance that any peace agreement must include security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression, citing past instances where Russian President Vladimir Putin violated ceasefire agreements.
The presence of U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who were photographed alongside Trump and Zelensky, suggests their role as mediators. Both European leaders have been advocating for a peacekeeping mission to enforce a potential ceasefire, with Macron stating that ending the war is a shared objective with Trump, and Starmer emphasizing “positive progress” toward a “just and lasting peace.”
Trump’s post-meeting remarks on Truth Social revealed a shift in tone. He expressed skepticism about Putin’s commitment to peace, referencing recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that killed at least eight civilians. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas,” Trump wrote, suggesting that Putin might be “tapping me along” and hinting at possible “secondary sanctions” or financial measures to pressure Russia. This marks a departure from Trump’s earlier confidence that Putin would honor a peace deal.
Context of the Meeting
The Vatican meeting follows a turbulent history between Trump and Zelensky. Their February 2025 Oval Office meeting devolved into a public shouting match, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance accusing Zelensky of ingratitude and obstructing peace talks. Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support, and a planned agreement on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals was scrapped. The fallout prompted European leaders, including Starmer, Macron, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to rally behind Zelensky, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to Ukraine.
The Vatican setting, imbued with symbolic weight, offered a neutral and diplomatic venue for reconciliation. Pope Francis, who prioritized peace in Ukraine during his papacy, provided a poignant backdrop. Zelensky’s team had hoped for a follow-up meeting in Rome, but Trump’s swift departure after the funeral precluded further talks, leaving aides to coordinate future discussions.
Future Implications
The Vatican meeting signals a potential thaw in U.S.-Ukraine relations, but its implications for the Russia-Ukraine war and global geopolitics remain uncertain:
U.S. Foreign Policy Shift: Trump’s engagement with Zelensky, coupled with his criticism of Putin, suggests a nuanced approach to the conflict. While Trump has prioritized a rapid peace deal—potentially before his first 100 days in office end next week—his mention of sanctions indicates willingness to pressure Russia if negotiations stall. This could align the U.S. closer to European efforts, particularly if Starmer and Macron’s backing of a peacekeeping mission gains traction.
Ukraine’s Negotiating Position: Zelensky’s emphasis on an “unconditional ceasefire” and security guarantees reflects Ukraine’s precarious position. With U.S. military aid halted since Trump took office, Kyiv relies heavily on European support and needs Trump’s buy-in to counter Moscow’s demands, which include retaining occupied territories like Crimea. The meeting’s outcome could embolden Zelensky to push for stronger terms or force concessions if U.S. pressure intensifies.
European Leadership Role: The involvement of Starmer and Macron highlights Europe’s growing role in mediating the conflict. Reports suggest the U.S. may support European peacekeepers, a move that could reshape NATO’s involvement and reduce U.S. military commitments in the region. However, British military concerns about the risks of such a mission indicate challenges ahead.
Risk of Stalemate: Trump’s frustration with Putin’s actions and Zelensky’s resistance to territorial concessions could lead to a prolonged stalemate. If negotiations falter, Trump’s threat to “deal with [Putin] differently” through economic measures may escalate tensions, while Ukraine faces increasing pressure to compromise.
Global Precedent: The meeting’s high-profile nature sets a precedent for public diplomacy in conflict resolution. The Vatican’s role as a neutral venue could encourage similar forums for future talks, though the lack of concrete agreements underscores the difficulty of aligning U.S., Ukrainian, and European priorities.
Conclusion
The Trump-Zelensky meeting at the Vatican marks a critical juncture in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. While the “very productive” discussion and Zelensky’s optimistic tone suggest progress, the absence of detailed agreements and ongoing tensions leave the path forward unclear. For Ukraine, the meeting reinforces the need for diplomatic agility amid shifting U.S. priorities. For Trump, it tests his ability to deliver on his promise of swift peace while balancing domestic and international pressures. As both leaders await further talks, the world watches to see if this “potentially historic” encounter will yield the lasting peace Zelensky envisions or deepen the complexities of a protracted conflict.
Sources: Reuters, BBC, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, Vatican News, Euronews, POLITICO, The Standard