Trump and Zelenskyy's Symbolic Meeting Before the Pope's Funeral

On Saturday, in a surprising turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a meeting. This encounter, taking place inside St. Peter's Basilica, was their first since a tense interaction in the White House two months prior.

Their meeting unfolded with some key political figures, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, witnessing the initial moments. Notably, this was the first time the leaders came face-to-face since their February 28th altercation, where Trump starkly remarked about the Ukrainian conflict, 'Decide for peace or we might withdraw.'

Just days following that heated conversation, Trump opted to put a hold on military assistance to Ukraine. Concurrently, the European Union announced what it termed 'a new phase of rearmament,' revealing plans for a significant boost in defense spending.

While their Oval Office meeting was under the spotlight of global media, images of their Rome rendezvous portrayed a more intimate setting. Trump and Zelenskyy were closely seated, with no translators or aides intervening in their dialogue. This setting was underscored by a picture shared by Andrii Yermak, an advisor to Zelenskyy, on social media, simply calling the talks 'Constructive.'

Following their discussion, Zelenskyy characterized the meet as notably positive. He further shared aspirations for achieving tangible outcomes from their dialogue, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and striving for a genuine ceasefire. He remarked on the meeting's symbolic nature and its potential historical significance, contingent on future collaborative achievements.

This remarkable meeting in Rome came in the wake of Steve Witkoff's mission to Moscow. As Trump's designated peace envoy, Witkoff held discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. According to Kremlin consultant Yuri Ushakov, these talks were centered around potentially resuming direct communications between Russia and Ukraine.

On his return, Witkoff conveyed that both nations were near an agreement, with most major issues resolved. Trump echoed this on social media, expressing optimism towards a looming agreement for ceasing hostilities between Kyiv and Moscow. Yet, prior to his departure for Rome, Trump expressed to journalists the delicate state of these negotiations, cautioning that U.S. mediation might cease if progress stalls.

Following the Saturday meeting, Zelenskyy received applause from onlookers as he exited St. Peter's Basilica, having paid homage before the deceased Pope. In contrast, Trump later took to social media, denouncing the ongoing Ukraine war as 'President Biden's doing,' criticizing it as futile from its inception. He concluded with reflections on the necessity to address Russia's aggression, hinting at financial or trade sanctions as potential countermeasures, stressing the heavy toll of human lives.