ROME — In a surprise diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately inside St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday morning, just before attending the state funeral of Pope Francis. The 15-minute conversation marked their first face-to-face engagement since a tense Oval Office meeting in February, and it centered on efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Both leaders described the meeting as constructive. Zelensky called it “very symbolic” and “potentially historic,” emphasizing the urgency of achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire. Trump’s team characterized the discussion as “very productive,” with the former president later stating that Kyiv and Moscow were “very close to a deal” and urging both sides to meet at “very high levels” to finalize terms. 
The meeting took place amid a backdrop of renewed U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day. Trump claimed that “most of the major points are agreed to,” though Ukraine was not represented in those talks.
Despite the optimism, significant disagreements remain. Trump has publicly stated that Crimea should remain under Russian control—a position firmly rejected by Zelensky, who insists that only Ukrainians can decide the fate of their territory. Meanwhile, some Ukrainian officials, including Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, have reluctantly acknowledged the possibility of territorial compromises to achieve peace.
The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week, drew world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The solemn occasion provided a rare opportunity for informal diplomacy among global figures. Zelensky and Trump were seated several rows apart during the service, but their brief meeting beforehand underscored the high stakes and urgency of the ongoing peace efforts. 
A follow-up meeting between the two leaders had been planned for later in the day, but Trump departed Rome shortly after the funeral, citing scheduling constraints. Despite the missed opportunity for further dialogue, both sides expressed hope that the conversation could serve as a turning point in the fragile Ukraine-Russia peace process.
As global attention remains fixed on the war’s trajectory, the Vatican setting lent symbolic weight to the encounter. Whether it will translate into concrete progress remains uncertain, but the meeting highlighted the complex interplay of diplomacy, geopolitics, and personal dynamics shaping the path toward peace.
