Trump and Zelenskyy Meet in Rome Ahead of Pope Francis' Funeral

Trump and Zelenskyy Meet in Rome Ahead of Pope Francis' Funeral

In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met privately in Rome just before attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 26, 2025.

The meeting, which lasted around 15 minutes, marked the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since a tense Oval Office encounter earlier this year, where Trump had sharply criticized Ukraine’s war strategy and temporarily suspended military aid. According to a White House statement, the latest discussion was described as “very productive,” while Zelenskyy’s office called it “constructive,” signaling a potentially warming tone between the two.

Sources close to the meeting say the leaders focused primarily on efforts toward achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump, who recently sent his envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggested that Ukraine and Russia were "very close to a deal." Zelenskyy, however, reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance that Crimea — annexed by Russia in 2014 — would not be conceded under any peace agreement.

During the funeral ceremony, Trump and Zelenskyy were both seated in the front row among global dignitaries, though separated by several officials. Other notable leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also took the opportunity to meet with Zelenskyy in Rome, emphasizing ongoing international efforts to bring the war to an end.

This brief but meaningful meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy adds a new chapter to the complex diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine conflict. With Trump positioning himself as a potential mediator, and with pressure mounting for a resolution, the world is watching closely to see if this dialogue in Rome will translate into lasting peace.