Trump and Zelensky Engage in Unexpected Peace Talks at Pope's Funeral

In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in crucial discussions concerning the war in Ukraine on Saturday, minutes before Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican. This meeting was part of an urgent push by the White House to secure a peace deal.

Photographs released by Ukraine’s presidency captured the intense, private exchange between Trump and Zelensky, taking place in the elaborate setting of St. Peter’s Basilica. Addressing the meeting later on social media, Zelensky expressed gratitude towards Trump for what he described as a “good meeting,” emphasizing the importance of their discourse on achieving a full ceasefire and establishing lasting peace.

A spokesperson for the White House traveling with Trump described the discussion as “productive.” Both parties reported that the dialogue lasted about 15 minutes, with plans for further talks. This meeting marked the first in-person encounter between the two leaders since a contentious February meeting at the White House, where Zelensky faced criticism for not showing enough appreciation for US aid.

The leaders converged near the Baptistry Chapel, just inside the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, without prior announcement. Initially, the expectation of Trump meeting with Zelensky or other international leaders during his brief stay in Rome was downplayed, given the solemn nature of the visit to honor the late Pope.

Originally, Trump had planned to begin his foreign visits in Saudi Arabia but redirected to Europe following Pope Francis’ passing. This shift provided opportunities for brief interactions with various leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid prior trade and defense disputes.

The seating arrangement, orchestrated by country name in French, situated Trump alongside leaders from Estonia and Finland, facilitating brief exchanges. Additionally, Trump engaged with other leaders striving for resolutions in the Ukraine conflict, sharing a symbolic moment with French President Emmanuel Macron during the funeral mass’s sign of peace.

US Involvement in Peace Talks

The US is applying increased pressure on Ukraine, recently warning of possibly walking away from negotiations if a deal does not appear achievable. Trump asserted that Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal” to conclude the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia in 2014 and intensified with the 2022 invasion.

After an apparent breakthrough in discussions on Friday, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in substantive dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, deemed “constructive and very useful” by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. Meanwhile, Zelensky hinted at potential compromises to advance peace conversations before his departure to Rome.

Zelensky emphasized readiness for dialogues in “any format,” contingent on Russia demonstrating a genuine commitment to halt the war through a comprehensive ceasefire. Direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow have been stalled since early stages of the 2022 invasion, with the Trump administration hopeful for prompt diplomatic progress.

Acknowledging that Ukraine’s immediate NATO membership is unlikely, Zelensky underscored the need for realistic security assurances, potentially involving European military contingents and American backing, especially in cyber defense and air protection systems.

Recent escalations, with a record missile attack on Kyiv leading to twelve casualties, underscore the urgency for peace.

Challenges to the ‘Ukraine Deal Framework’

Zelensky referenced constructive proposals, known as the “Ukraine Deal Framework,” formulated with European allies. Reuters accessed the document advocating a comprehensive ceasefire across air, land, and sea, with ceasefire oversight potentially led by US forces. The draft details substantial security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5, without unanimous NATO membership support.

However, some elements of the plan, like forming an ad hoc group of guarantor states and removing foreign force constraints in Ukraine, may face Russian opposition. Proposals for territorial negotiations post-ceasefire are based on current boundaries, with considerations for Ukraine to regain the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant from Russian occupation.

Controversially, the draft includes a minerals agreement granting the US access to significant rare metals, with Ukraine compensated using frozen Russian assets, subject to Russia’s compliance with reparations. Notably absent is specific mention of Crimea, with Witkoff suggesting US recognition of Crimea under Russian control—an unacceptable stance for Ukraine.

Zelensky rejected any conversation about recognizing Crimea as part of Russia, standing firm against breaching Ukraine’s constitution. He stressed non-military solutions, like sanctions and economic pressure, are preferable to reclaim Crimea.

Meanwhile, Trump grows increasingly frustrated with the slow progress in negotiations. Saturday’s talks coincided with Putin’s announcement of regaining control over Kursk, although Kyiv has yet to respond, and independent confirmation remains unavailable.