President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a brief but significant private meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Friday, just ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral. The two leaders spoke for roughly 15 minutes in their first face-to-face encounter since their contentious Oval Office exchange nearly two months ago.
Both sides described the conversation as “very productive,” with a focus on securing a full ceasefire and achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine. The Trump administration has been actively pushing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the bloody conflict, while also safeguarding U.S. interests in future reconstruction and rare-earth mineral agreements.
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a brief but significant private meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Friday, just ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral. The two leaders spoke for roughly 15 minutes in their first face-to-face encounter since their contentious Oval Office exchange nearly two months ago.
Both sides described the conversation as “very productive,” with a focus on securing a full ceasefire and achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine. The Trump administration has been actively pushing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the bloody conflict, while also safeguarding U.S. interests in future reconstruction and rare-earth mineral agreements.
The timing of the meeting was highly symbolic. Amid the solemn atmosphere of a papal funeral attended by world leaders, Trump used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of ending the war and beginning the process of rebuilding—without dragging America into another endless foreign entanglement.
Zelensky, for his part, reiterated Ukraine’s desire for peace but stressed the need for security guarantees that would prevent further Russian aggression. Trump, according to sources close to the talks, made clear that while the United States would support Ukraine’s sovereignty, a pragmatic resolution must be reached to stop the staggering loss of life.
The meeting comes just days after Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to advance U.S.-brokered peace proposals. Tensions remain high following reports that Russian forces have retaken the city of Kursk, though the Trump administration remains focused on diplomacy over escalation.
Meanwhile, the White House continues to pressure Ukraine to finalize agreements that would secure American access to rare-earth minerals vital for national security and energy independence—deals seen as key to ensuring long-term U.S. strategic interests in the post-war environment.
Notably absent from the Vatican delegation was Vice President JD Vance, who previously had a high-profile spat with Zelensky during earlier negotiations. Vance’s absence was seen as a way to keep the focus on diplomacy rather than reopen old grievances.
Despite the tension surrounding the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Vatican meeting marked a hopeful moment—a signal that, even amid profound global mourning, steps are still being taken toward ending one of the most devastating wars of the 21st century.
Trump later told aides that he remained “cautiously optimistic” and emphasized once again that the priority is peace through strength, not endless conflict. His administration remains determined to reach a deal that protects American interests, restores regional stability, and honors the sacrifices already made.
The timing of the meeting was highly symbolic. Amid the solemn atmosphere of a papal funeral attended by world leaders, Trump used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of ending the war and beginning the process of rebuilding—without dragging America into another endless foreign entanglement.
Zelensky, for his part, reiterated Ukraine’s desire for peace but stressed the need for security guarantees that would prevent further Russian aggression. Trump, according to sources close to the talks, made clear that while the United States would support Ukraine’s sovereignty, a pragmatic resolution must be reached to stop the staggering loss of life.
Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to… pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ????????? ?????????? (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2025
The meeting comes just days after Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to advance U.S.-brokered peace proposals. Tensions remain high following reports that Russian forces have retaken the city of Kursk, though the Trump administration remains focused on diplomacy over escalation.
Meanwhile, the White House continues to pressure Ukraine to finalize agreements that would secure American access to rare-earth minerals vital for national security and energy independence—deals seen as key to ensuring long-term U.S. strategic interests in the post-war environment.
Notably absent from the Vatican delegation was Vice President JD Vance, who previously had a high-profile spat with Zelensky during earlier negotiations. Vance’s absence was seen as a way to keep the focus on diplomacy rather than reopen old grievances.
Despite the tension surrounding the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Vatican meeting marked a hopeful moment—a signal that, even amid profound global mourning, steps are still being taken toward ending one of the most devastating wars of the 21st century.
Trump later told aides that he remained “cautiously optimistic” and emphasized once again that the priority is peace through strength, not endless conflict. His administration remains determined to reach a deal that protects American interests, restores regional stability, and honors the sacrifices already made.