Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met privately inside St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, moments before the funeral of Pope Francis.
The rare and symbolic meeting, lasting fifteen minutes, was described by both sides as highly productive and potentially historic.
The White House said the encounter was “very productive,” while Zelensky posted on social media calling it a “very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.” Images captured the two leaders locked in serious discussion, seated opposite each other under the Basilica’s towering dome.
The meeting came at a critical time, a day after Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Trump had earlier claimed that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal,” raising hopes of renewed momentum toward a negotiated ceasefire.
Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, shared a photo of the encounter with a single word: “constructive.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed the sentiment, calling the meeting “historic” and highlighting its significance for global peace efforts.
The two men had not met since a tense exchange at the White House in February, when Trump criticized Ukraine’s military efforts and accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.” Despite lingering tensions, Saturday’s meeting appeared cordial and focused, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Additional images from the Basilica showed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron standing with Trump and Zelensky. Macron was seen resting his hand on Zelensky’s shoulder, suggesting an active European role in encouraging dialogue between Washington and Kyiv.
After the private discussion, Trump and Zelensky walked down the Basilica steps together before taking their seats among other world leaders. The crowd applauded as Zelensky passed, marking a rare moment of unity in a highly polarized international landscape.
During the funeral service, the two leaders sat several seats apart, separated by Macron and other dignitaries. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, delivering the homily, referenced Pope Francis’s famous appeal to “build bridges, not walls,” words that seemed to resonate beyond the occasion.
Following the funeral, Trump’s motorcade swiftly departed, and his plane left Rome shortly thereafter. Zelensky remained behind, holding additional meetings with French President Macron and preparing for talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky has stirred cautious optimism that, despite significant obstacles, a path to peace negotiations could reopen. However, with issues like Crimea and territorial concessions still fiercely contested, much remains uncertain about what tangible outcomes might emerge.
