Historic War Talks: Trump and Zelensky Meet Inside St. Peter’s Basilica Before Pope’s Funeral | CNN

War Talks: Trump and Zelensky Meet in Vatican City

In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately in Vatican City. This meeting took place just before Pope Francis’s funeral and emphasized the urgency of finding peace in Ukraine.

Photos shared by the Ukrainian presidency captured the leaders deep in conversation at St. Peter’s Basilica without aides present. A White House representative described their chat as “very productive,” lasting around 15 minutes. Both leaders expressed a desire to continue discussions, possibly later that day.

This was the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelensky since a tense encounter back in February, where tensions flared over U.S. support for Ukraine. It’s notable that this meeting occurred unexpectedly, as officials had earlier played down the chance of such an interaction during Trump’s brief visit, which was primarily intended to honor the late Pope.

Context and Reactions

Zelensky had just arrived in Rome from Kyiv, where he backed new proposals for peace. He previously emphasized the need for a complete ceasefire as a prerequisite for dialogue. His recent statements reflect a shift towards compromise, recognizing that NATO membership for Ukraine may not be achievable in the near future.

Recent statistics underline the gravity of the situation. According to a study from the Institute for the Study of War, over 500,000 Ukrainians have been displaced since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. These figures highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgency of finding a resolution.

What’s Next?

Zelensky’s administration is eager for meaningful dialogue, stating they are ready to talk with any party willing to reciprocate. They seek “robust security guarantees” from the U.S. and European nations to ensure Ukraine’s safety in any agreement. Interestingly, terms discussed included potential military aid that does not involve boots on the ground but could offer vital support, such as air defense systems.

On social media, reactions to the meeting and Zelensky’s proposals were mixed. Many users expressed hope for peace, while others remain skeptical about Russia’s willingness to negotiate fairly given its historical actions.

Historical context is also essential in understanding the current dynamics. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, trust between the two nations has been at an all-time low. Any suggestion of conceding territorial claims remains controversial and could jeopardize Zelensky’s political standing.

In the immediate future, both leaders’ willingness to continue dialogue may set the stage for further negotiations. Trump’s envoy had productive discussions with Russian officials recently, suggesting that some level of communication exists.

Conclusion

The meeting in Vatican City between Trump and Zelensky highlights the continuous efforts to find a viable path toward peace. The stakes are high, and many people around the world are watching the developments closely. With both leaders expressing a desire for resolution, the next steps will be crucial in shaping Ukraine’s future. As the situation evolves, the commitment to dialogue could be the key to ending this long-standing conflict.

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