US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a “very productive” 15-minute meeting in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 26, 2025, during Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City. The discussion, their first since a tense Oval Office clash in February, focused on achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Zelensky described the meeting on Telegram as “potentially historic,” emphasising goals like protecting lives, securing an unconditional ceasefire, and preventing future conflicts. “We discussed a lot one-on-one, and I hope for results,” he wrote, thanking Trump. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the productive nature of the talks, noting that more details would follow. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, called the meeting “constructive.”
📸 Zelensky and Trump held a meeting in St Peter’s Basilica.
The two leaders will meet again later today, it is understood.
Read the latest here ⬇️https://t.co/pYshpDwm6f pic.twitter.com/QQzEpkgnUI
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 26, 2025Photographs from Zelensky’s office showed the leaders in a marble-lined hall, leaning in closely with no aides present. Another image captured them huddling with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signalling broader European involvement in peace efforts. Despite plans for a second meeting later that day, Trump returned to the US after the funeral, making it unlikely.
Read: Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees from Allies
Trump has pushed for a swift deal, claiming on Friday that Russia and Ukraine are “very close” to an agreement after his envoy met Russian leadership. However, differences persist. The US reportedly proposes recognising Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, a move Zelensky and European allies reject as unconstitutional and against international law. Disputes also remain over sanctions, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s compensation.
🇺🇸🇺🇦 Ukrainian President #Zelensky and US President #Trump met inside St. Peter's Basilica ahead of Pope #Francis's funeral.
Zelensky said the meeting could prove historic if it delivers the kind of peace he's hoping for, and a White House spokesman called it "very productive". pic.twitter.com/C21vSkGYeE
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) April 26, 2025The leaders’ strained relationship, marked by past accusations, adds complexity. Trump seeks Zelensky’s cooperation to fulfil his peace ambitions, while Ukraine relies on US pressure to soften Russia’s terms. Wearing his signature military-style attire, Zelensky continued to signal solidarity with Ukraine’s fight.
