Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a closely watched bilateral meeting at Vatican City on Saturday, described by the White House as "very productive" amid intensified efforts to broker an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The 15-minute private discussion, held at St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral, marked the leaders’ first face-to-face talks since a tense Oval Office encounter in February 2025 that temporarily froze U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a key mediator, later told reporters: "We’re closer than ever to ending this tragedy, but Putin needs to prove he’s serious." He hinted at "major consequences" for recent Russian missile strikes on Kharkiv, suggesting potential new sanctions.
The Ukrainian president called the meeting "symbolic" in a social media post, emphasizing the need for "reliable, lasting peace that honors Ukraine’s sovereignty."
The talks come amid growing U.S. pressure for a resolution, with Trump warning earlier this month that Washington could "step back from mediation" if progress stalls. European leaders have expressed concern about any deal legitimizing Russian territorial gains.
The Vatican meeting underscores the complex geopolitical balancing act, blending Trump’s transactional diplomacy with Zelensky’s struggle to maintain Western support.