Trump and Zelenskyy Hold ‘Very Productive’ Ceasefire Talks at Vatican

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in what the White House described as “very productive” ceasefire talks during their visit to the Vatican for Pope Francis’s funeral.

The two leaders met inside St. Peter’s Basilica, with President Zelenskyy later posting a photo of their intense conversation on social media platform X. He called the discussion “symbolic” and noted it could become “historic” if joint results are achieved.

Face-to-Face After Tensions

• This was the first direct meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy since a tense February encounter at the White House.
• During that earlier meeting, Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance had criticized Zelenskyy over his demands for continued American aid.

Mediation Efforts to End War

• Washington has intensified efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
• On Friday, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for three hours to discuss a U.S.-backed peace proposal.
• Trump later announced that “most of the major points are agreed to,” adding that a leadership meeting between Kyiv and Moscow to finalize a ceasefire deal was “very close.”

Points of Disagreement Remain

• Two draft peace proposals reviewed by Reuters indicate the U.S. is suggesting that Russia retain captured territories, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.
• President Zelensky made clear that “our position has not changed. All temporarily occupied territories belong to Ukraine.”
• European allies also view any compromise on Ukrainian sovereignty as unacceptable.

Russia’s Response and Ongoing Tensions

• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Russian forces had expelled Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region, a claim disputed by Kyiv.

Trump’s Reaction

• Trump criticized Putin’s recent attacks on Kyiv, calling them “unnecessary” and warning of the fragile state of ongoing peace talks.
• “Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Despite Trump’s optimism, major hurdles remain regarding sanctions relief, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the final status of occupied territories.