Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-stakes one-on-one meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Saturday, reigniting hopes for progress in resolving the protracted Ukraine-Russia conflict. The impromptu discussion, held during Pope Francis’ funeral proceedings, marked their first face-to-face encounter since a tense Oval Office meeting in February.
Zelenskyy described the 15-minute conversation as potentially "historic" if it accelerates peace negotiations, while a U.S. spokesperson characterized the exchange as "very productive." Images released by both governments showed the leaders engaged in close dialogue, free of aides, under the basilica’s soaring arches—a symbolic backdrop for diplomatic efforts.
The meeting occurs amid stalled peace talks and escalating humanitarian concerns in eastern Ukraine. Observers note the Vatican setting carries particular significance, as Pope Francis has frequently advocated for mediation in the conflict. While no formal agreements were announced, the engagement signals renewed international attention to Eastern Europe’s most pressing security crisis.
