‘Symbolic With Potential To Become Historic’: Zelenskyy On Meeting With Trump On Sidelines Of Pope’s Funeral

Last Updated:April 26, 2025, 18:47 IST

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a brief meeting at Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, officials said,

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky | File Image

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky had a brief meeting at St Peter’s Basilica during Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday. This was their first encounter since a tense exchange at the White House, as the US president urged the Ukrainian leader to pursue peace with Russia.

Zelensky mentioned they discussed an unconditional ceasefire with Russia and expressed hope for significant outcomes from this “very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic."

The Ukrainian presidency shared photos of Trump and Zelensky engaged in deep discussion at the basilica, with the pope’s simple wooden coffin in the background.

“We covered many topics one on one. We are hoping for results on all discussed matters. Our priority is protecting the lives of our people, achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, and ensuring lasting peace to prevent future conflicts," Zelensky posted on X.

An aide to Zelensky described the meeting as “constructive," and the White House termed it “a very productive discussion."

However, the US president left Rome as scheduled immediately after the funeral mass, and there were no further talks.

Additionally, the two leaders briefly conversed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron inside the basilica. Macron later had a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky. Macron’s office characterised the discussions among the four leaders as “positive."

The ongoing war influenced the preparations for Francis’s funeral. During the event, Russia claimed its forces had “fully liberated" the border Kursk region. Ukraine, however, maintained that its army was still fighting in Kursk, hoping to use the territory as leverage in future peace negotiations.

(with AFP inputs)

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News world Ukraine's Zelenskyy Meets Donald Trump On The Sidelines Of Pope's Funeral, Calls Talks 'Very Symbolic'