President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has addressed his recent encounter with President Donald Trump at Pope Francis’ funeral.
The two leaders were present in Vatican City on April 26 for the funeral of the late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
This meeting marks their first face-to-face interaction since their heated exchange televised from the Oval Office in February.
The 78-year-old former Republican president has been critical of Zelenskyy on several occasions since assuming office, but recent reports suggest they have reconciled.
Zelenskyy shared his thoughts about the meeting on Twitter, stating: “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. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you @POTUS.”
A photograph captured at St Peter’s Basilica showed the leaders seated across from each other.
The United States has been urging Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, which entails Ukraine accepting Russian control over significant occupied territories.
Zelenskyy remains firm on not recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, held by Moscow since 2014, and opposes continued Kremlin dominance in Ukraine’s south and east.
He has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
Officials from the White House and Kyiv confirmed that the meeting took place prior to the funeral.
According to White House communications director Steven Cheung, the two leaders ‘had a very productive discussion.’
Zelensky’s spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, mentioned the meeting lasted about 15 minutes.
Additional information is expected to be released later today, and further talks may occur while both leaders are in Rome.
Trump shared his arrival in Italy on Truth Social, addressing the peace deal being brokered between Russia and Ukraine.
“Just landed in Rome. A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off.’ Most of the major points are agreed to,” he posted.
“Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!”