In a significant and unexpected development, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private meeting in Rome just hours before attending the state funeral of Pope Francis. The meeting, described by U.S. officials as “very productive,” marked a rare face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since their widely publicized tensions during Trump’s presidency in the US.
Both Trump and Zelenskyy had arrived in the Italian capital to pay their respects at the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this month. The Vatican gathering drew more than 130 heads of state and global dignitaries, offering a unique moment for informal diplomacy. The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, though not publicly announced in advance, took place at a private venue near the Vatican under tight security.
While details of the conversation have not been officially disclosed, sources familiar with the talks suggest that the focus was on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The prospects for peace negotiations with Russia, and U.S.-Ukraine relations. Trump, who has expressed increasing interest in global diplomacy ahead of the 2024 election cycle, reportedly conveyed optimism about a potential ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.
In a brief statement to the press before the funeral, Trump said, “We’re seeing some very promising signs. I believe both sides are closer to a deal than many people think. I had a good talk with President Zelenskyy. We want peace, and we want it soon.”
The former president also revealed that one of his personal envoys had met recently with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described those talks as “constructive,” though critics have raised concerns about his ongoing engagement with Moscow outside official diplomatic channels.
Zelenskyy, for his part, did not offer comments immediately following the meeting, but his office confirmed the encounter took place and characterized it as “candid and focused on Ukraine’s security and future.”
The two leaders were later seen seated near one another during Pope Francis’s funeral service in St. Peter’s Square, a poignant visual amid the somber ceremony. Observers noted the symbolism of the moment, as the Pope was known for advocating peace, unity, and dialogue—even among adversaries.
This meeting is especially notable given the strained history between Trump and Zelenskyy, dating back to the 2019 impeachment inquiry over Donald Trump’s alleged pressure on Zelenskyy to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Their interaction in Rome suggests a potential thaw or at least a strategic re-engagement amid the shifting landscape of global politics.
Following the funeral, Trump returned to the United States, while Zelenskyy remained in Europe for a series of diplomatic meetings with EU leaders and NATO representatives.
Whether this meeting leads to any concrete developments remains to be seen. But in a world increasingly shaped by informal power plays and backchannel talks, the Rome encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy could signal a new phase in the diplomatic dance over Ukraine’s future
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