In an unexpected meeting at the Vatican, former US President Donald Trump questioned whether Russia’s leader truly seeks peace in Ukraine — moments after a private conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The two men spoke briefly at St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the funeral mass for Pope Francis. It was their first encounter since a tense meeting in Washington earlier this year that left relations strained.
Photographs released by Ukraine’s presidential office showed Trump and Zelensky in animated discussion, with no aides present. “We discussed a lot one-on-one. Hoping for results on everything we covered,” Mr Zelensky later posted on social media. He called the meeting “symbolic” and said it could be “historic, if we achieve joint results.”
A White House spokesman travelling with Mr Trump described the talks as “very productive.” Both sides confirmed the conversation lasted around fifteen minutes, and agreed to continue discussions.
Yet, within hours, Mr Trump cast doubt on Russia’s intentions. In a message posted on Truth Social, he wrote: “It makes me think that maybe [Putin] doesn’t want to stop the war. Too many people are dying!!!” He suggested new financial penalties, hinting at “Banking or Secondary Sanctions.”
His comments followed Russia’s latest missile strikes on Kyiv — the deadliest in months, leaving twelve people dead.
Vatican Encounters
The meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky was not formally scheduled. It took place quietly outside the Baptistry Chapel, near the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica. Officials had earlier played down any prospect of diplomatic talks, emphasising the solemnity of the pope’s funeral.
Still, the event brought together world leaders, creating brief but significant encounters. Mr Trump was also seen speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inside the Basilica.
Despite the chilly ties between Mr Trump and European leaders during his second term, Saturday’s encounters were civil. “He engaged briefly with several leaders he had been avoiding,” said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Peace Talks Edge Forward
Behind the scenes, the United States has been pushing Ukraine and Russia towards a ceasefire. Mr Trump, speaking before flying to Rome, said he believed the two sides were “very close to a deal.”
In Kyiv, President Zelensky expressed cautious optimism. “We are ready for dialogue, in any format, with anyone,” he said on Friday. But he made clear that Russia must first show real intent by agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire.
Ukraine’s leader also hinted at a major compromise: acknowledging that NATO membership is unlikely in the near term. Instead, he proposed security guarantees backed by the United States and European allies. “For us, the backstop does not necessarily have to be boots on the ground,” he said, suggesting air defence systems and cyber support could suffice.
On Thursday, Kyiv endured its most severe missile attacks since last July, underscoring the urgency of ending the conflict.
Draft Deal and Difficult Choices
According to a document obtained by Reuters, Ukraine and European officials have drafted a “Ukraine Deal Framework.” It calls for an immediate ceasefire across land, sea, and air. The plan includes strong security guarantees, overseen by the United States and supported by other willing nations.
The draft proposes that Ukraine maintain its military presence and regain full control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russian forces since March 2022. It leaves the question of Crimea unresolved — a sticking point likely to cause fierce debate.
Moscow is expected to resist several elements, particularly provisions allowing Ukraine to host foreign forces and control its military posture without restrictions.
One controversial suggestion, reportedly floated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff during talks in Moscow, is the US recognising Crimea as Russian territory — a move President Zelensky has firmly rejected. “There is nothing to talk about,” he told reporters. “It is against our constitution.”
Mr Zelensky acknowledged Ukraine currently lacks the weapons needed to retake Crimea by force. But he insisted that sanctions and economic pressure could be far more effective. “The world has other tools,” he said.
Growing Frustrations
Despite diplomatic progress, frustration appears to be mounting in Washington. CNN reported that Mr Trump, eager to deliver a major foreign policy win, has privately expressed annoyance at how slow talks are moving.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed a fresh victory on Saturday, announcing that Russian forces had retaken full control of Kursk, a region where Ukrainian troops launched an offensive last year.
“The Kyiv regime’s adventure has completely failed,” Mr Putin declared. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine, and independent verification of battlefield claims remains difficult.
As the Vatican bells tolled and Pope Francis was laid to rest, the brief conversation between two wartime leaders offered a flicker of hope — but also a reminder of the enormous obstacles still ahead.
