Zelenskiy Describes Vatican Meeting with Trump as Most Productive
Ukrainian President outlines peace discussions during brief encounter with U.S. President at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has characterized his recent brief meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican as the most productive encounter they have had to date.
This meeting is notable as it represents their first official interaction since a tense confrontation in the Oval Office in February.
The discussions occurred amid ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
According to a statement from Zelenskiy’s administration, both leaders agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow would be an appropriate initial step toward achieving peace in the ongoing war.
Zelenskiy indicated that topics discussed included sanctions, with Trump reportedly giving a strong response on the matter, although details on specific sanctions were not disclosed.
Prior to this meeting, which took place in St. Peter’s Basilica, the two leaders were seen engaged in conversation without aides for approximately 15 minutes.
A White House spokesperson described the talks as “very productive.”
During his flight back from Rome, Trump issued a social media statement condemning recent missile strikes by Russian forces on civilian areas, expressing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be interested in ceasing hostilities.
In his remarks, Trump stated, "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days."
He further emphasized the need for a different approach to dealing with Russia's aggression, reflecting a potential shift in his previous stance, which often included criticism of Zelenskiy alongside expressions of approval for Putin.
Zelenskiy described the encounter as a positive step, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to significant outcomes regarding the protection of lives, a complete ceasefire, and lasting peace to prevent future conflict.
He recognized the symbolic importance of the meeting, suggesting it might hold historic potential if fruitful results were realized, thanking Trump for the dialogue.
The meeting highlights the continuing complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the war in Ukraine, involving high-level discussions among key global leaders at a moment of heightened tension.
This meeting is notable as it represents their first official interaction since a tense confrontation in the Oval Office in February.
The discussions occurred amid ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
According to a statement from Zelenskiy’s administration, both leaders agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow would be an appropriate initial step toward achieving peace in the ongoing war.
Zelenskiy indicated that topics discussed included sanctions, with Trump reportedly giving a strong response on the matter, although details on specific sanctions were not disclosed.
Prior to this meeting, which took place in St. Peter’s Basilica, the two leaders were seen engaged in conversation without aides for approximately 15 minutes.
A White House spokesperson described the talks as “very productive.”
During his flight back from Rome, Trump issued a social media statement condemning recent missile strikes by Russian forces on civilian areas, expressing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be interested in ceasing hostilities.
In his remarks, Trump stated, "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days."
He further emphasized the need for a different approach to dealing with Russia's aggression, reflecting a potential shift in his previous stance, which often included criticism of Zelenskiy alongside expressions of approval for Putin.
Zelenskiy described the encounter as a positive step, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to significant outcomes regarding the protection of lives, a complete ceasefire, and lasting peace to prevent future conflict.
He recognized the symbolic importance of the meeting, suggesting it might hold historic potential if fruitful results were realized, thanking Trump for the dialogue.
The meeting highlights the continuing complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the war in Ukraine, involving high-level discussions among key global leaders at a moment of heightened tension.
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