Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private meeting before attending Pope Francis’ funeral, the White House announced on Saturday, describing their discussion as “very productive.” Ukraine’s government also called the meeting “constructive,” noting that plans were underway to arrange a follow-up.
On social media, Zelenskyy described it as a “good meeting,” saying, “We discussed a lot one-on-one. I’m hopeful for outcomes on everything we covered — from protecting our people’s lives to securing a full and unconditional ceasefire and achieving a lasting peace to prevent future wars. It was a symbolic meeting with the potential to be historic if we succeed together. Thank you @POTUS.”
Ukraine’s presidential press office shared images of their encounter, along with photos featuring Trump, Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Later, Trump posted on Truth Social expressing doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the conflict. “There was no reason for Putin to be firing missiles into civilian areas in recent days,” Trump wrote, suggesting that Putin might not be serious about stopping the war and proposing the use of “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions” to apply more pressure. “Too many people are dying!!!” he added.
Trump has been working to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, after earlier aggression in 2014.
Although there were initial plans for another discussion between Trump and Zelenskyy that same day, Trump left Rome immediately after the funeral, boarding Air Force One for the return flight to the U.S. Zelenskyy’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, explained that the leaders were unable to meet again due to tight schedules.
Trump was among over 50 world leaders and dignitaries attending Pope Francis’ funeral. He also had a brief exchange with Britain’s Prince William, according to reports. Trump arrived at the Vatican with First Lady Melania Trump.
When Zelenskyy appeared at the ceremony, the crowd welcomed him with applause.
Before departing for Rome, Trump told reporters he was attending the funeral “out of respect” for Pope Francis, despite their past disagreements over issues such as immigration and climate change. The two had previously clashed, with Francis criticizing Trump’s border wall plans during his 2016 campaign, calling them “not Christian,” which Trump had labeled “disgraceful.” Nevertheless, following Francis’ passing at the age of 88, Trump praised him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world,” ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Although Trump initially suggested he would hold numerous meetings with world leaders during the trip, he later indicated it would be inappropriate to conduct formal talks at a funeral. Still, he acknowledged he would be speaking to several key figures. His schedule was tight, limiting formal meetings, but he hinted he might hold informal talks at the U.S. ambassador’s residence, Villa Taverna.
Trump has been actively pushing for Ukraine and Russia to engage in “very high-level talks” to end the war.
Upon his arrival in Rome, he reiterated this call on Truth Social. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met with Putin the day before, and Trump stated that both sides were “very close to a deal.”
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska accompanied Zelenskyy in Rome, while Putin did not attend the funeral.
