Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at Vatican to Push for Ukraine Peace

​On April 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a brief but significant one-on-one meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica, just before attending Pope Francis’s funeral. This marked their first face-to-face encounter since a contentious Oval Office meeting in February.

The discussion, described by both leaders as productive, centered on efforts to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. President Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict, stating that “most of the major points are agreed to” and calling for high-level meetings to finalize a peace deal.

President Zelenskyy expressed hope that the meeting could lead to tangible results, highlighting the symbolic nature of their discussion at the Vatican. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to protecting its citizens and achieving a lasting peace.

This meeting occurred amidst a backdrop of renewed diplomatic efforts, including recent talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While President Trump has suggested that a peace agreement is within reach, he also warned of potential additional sanctions on Russia if hostilities continue.

The encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy at the Vatican underscores the ongoing international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and highlights the complex dynamics at play in seeking a peaceful resolution.