On April 26, 2025, during the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, a significant diplomatic encounter took place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This brief meeting marked their first in-person interaction since a contentious Oval Office meeting earlier in the year.Latest news & breaking headlines+3NPR+3YouTube+3Time+2WSJ+2Axios+2
The leaders convened privately for approximately 15 minutes before the funeral service. President Zelenskyy used this opportunity to urge President Trump to adopt a firmer stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin and to prioritize efforts toward achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that Putin would not relent without increased pressure from the United States and dismissed any peace plan that included recognizing Crimea as Russian territory .NPRAxios
President Trump, who had recently criticized Putin over attacks on Kyiv, appeared receptive to Zelenskyy’s appeals. The meeting was described by White House officials as “very productive,” with expectations for continued discussions . Notably, the absence of Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff, figures perceived by Ukraine as more sympathetic to Russia, may have facilitated a more favorable environment for dialogue .TimeAxios+1NPR+1
The funeral itself was attended by numerous world leaders and dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who have been actively involved in European peace efforts . The solemn occasion provided a backdrop for these critical diplomatic engagements, underscoring the intersection of global mourning and international politics.NPR
As the world reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, the interactions between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy highlight the ongoing complexities and urgencies of the geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.