Trump and Zelenskyy Hold Productive Talks at Pope Francis' Funeral in Rome

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica, discussing peace in Ukraine.

In a significant diplomatic moment, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a 15-minute meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica during the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025. Described as "positive" and "productive," the talks focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with French President Emmanuel Macron playing a key role in facilitating discussions.

A Symbolic Meeting Amid Global Attention

The meeting took place in Rome, ahead of the papal funeral, which drew world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other dignitaries. The White House, through Communications Director Steven Cheung, called the talks "highly productive." Zelenskyy, in a post on X, described the encounter as "symbolic" and potentially "historic," emphasizing the need for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" and a "reliable, lasting peace."

Images shared by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on X captured the intensity of the dialogue, with Sybiha noting the meeting’s historic significance. The two leaders later walked together to St. Peter’s Square, where Zelenskyy was greeted with applause.

Macron’s Mediation and Diplomatic Context

French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside Starmer, was present at the start of the meeting, signaling his role as a mediator. Macron later met Zelenskyy at the French Embassy to the Vatican, reaffirming a shared goal with Trump to end the war. According to BBC, Macron stated that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire.

The meeting comes against a backdrop of strained relations. A prior encounter in February 2025 was described as contentious, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of lacking the leverage to defeat Russia and blaming Ukraine for starting the war. Despite this, the Rome meeting marked a step toward constructive dialogue.

Peace Proposals and Challenges

Trump has recently proposed a peace plan that includes recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and acknowledging Moscow’s control over occupied Ukrainian territories, as reported by Axios. Zelenskyy rejected this, citing violations of Ukraine’s constitution, and countered with a proposal for a complete ceasefire and Russian reparations, per The New York Times.

While both leaders expressed commitment to peace, their differing visions highlight the complexities of resolving the conflict. Zelenskyy’s call for reparations and Trump’s push for territorial concessions remain points of contention.

What’s Next?

Following the funeral, Trump returned to the U.S., while Zelenskyy held further meetings with Macron, Starmer, and is expected to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Rome talks have set the stage for continued diplomatic efforts, with Macron and other European leaders advocating for a "just and lasting peace," as noted by Starmer.

The meeting’s outcome remains uncertain, but its symbolic setting and Macron’s mediation underscore the global push for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Zelenskyy stated, the talks could prove "historic" if they lead to tangible progress.

Key Takeaways

• Trump and Zelenskyy met for 15 minutes at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome.
• Macron facilitated discussions, emphasizing a shared goal of peace.
• Zelenskyy called for an unconditional ceasefire, while Trump proposed territorial concessions.
• Past tensions between the leaders highlight the challenges of reaching an agreement.

Stay updated: Follow developments on the Russia-Ukraine peace talks and global diplomacy.

Sources: The New York Times, Axios, BBC, CNN.