The funeral for Pope Francis in Vatican City served as a significant event where US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened to consider a potential political agreement.
Both leaders joined the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, in Vatican City, along with other international dignitaries and attendees who came to honor the late religious figure.
Before attending the funeral, Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a private discussion.
This meeting follows an announcement from the US government regarding discussions between Russia and Ukraine, with the White House asserting that the two nations are ‘very close to a deal’ to end the war in Ukraine.
The US president commented on the duration of the meeting, stating it was three hours long and that ‘most of the major points are agreed to,’ through a post on his Truth Social platform without divulging specifics. He subsequently urged for a high-level meeting between Kyiv and Moscow to finalize the agreement.
Zelenskyy reflected on the meeting with the US president, describing it as ‘good’ and noting that they ‘discussed a lot one-on-one’.
He took to Twitter to express his thoughts: “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.”
Following the discussion, Zelenskyy shared additional insights on social media.
“Hoping for results on everything we covered,” he stated in a Facebook post after the meeting. “Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the meeting’s symbolic significance, stating it ‘has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results’.
The White House later described the meeting as ‘very productive’.
Despite Trump’s remarks on Ukraine and Russia nearing an agreement, Zelenskyy has consistently rejected proposals for Kyiv to relinquish Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, to Moscow.
In a Time interview published on Friday, April 25, Trump mentioned that Crimea ‘will stay with Russia’.
During Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump and Zelenskyy also interacted with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This meeting was described as ‘positive’ by the French presidency.
Observers on social media noted a noticeable difference in the receptions of Trump and Zelenskyy at the service.
Zelenskyy’s entrance was met with applause, while Trump, criticized for wearing a blue suit rather than traditional black attire, did not receive a similar reception.