Trump and Zelensky convene privately during the funeral proceedings of Pope Francis in Rome.
A Tete-a-Tete at the Vatican: Trump and Zelensky's Unexpected Huddle**Scoop on the Side***
In an unexpected encounter on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held talks, marking their first meeting since their White House showdown. To put it mildly, it was a pretty big deal!
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The two leaders, accompanied by their wives (and rightly so), met in the hallowed halls of the Vatican on April 26, 2025. Theette-a-tete was "good," "constructive," and "very productive," according to both camps[2][3][4]. Their discussion revolved around matters of utmost importance, such as ensuring the protection of lives and the pursuit of a full and unconditional ceasefire[2][3]. The Ukrainian president expressed optimism about the outcome of their discussions, underscoring the necessity of reliable and lasting peace to steer clear of future conflicts[3].
Zelensky had to resist the temptation to crack open a Cracker Jack or pop a bubblegum, as he and Trump agreed to continue their conversation at a later time[4]. While the specifics of their talks remain under wraps, it certainly didn't involve any trading of cowboy hats or Humvees, as some worried might be the case.
Blame Game
Trump jumped aboard the dead-end express, frequently pointing blame at Zelensky for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and bloodshed. Let's just say, the two haven't exactly been BFFs since their previous sit-down in the Oval Office[1]. Trump's reproaches, however, didn't seem to sway Zelensky from his commitment to a lasting peace.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a conflict that rippled across the continent. Trump has pressed Zelensky to accept terms that would allow Crimea, a region Russia seized in 2014, to stay under Moscow's control[1]. Yet, despite Trump's repeated insistence, there's no sign that Zelensky relinquished his stance during their meeting at the Vatican.
The Vienna Cafe
Their chances of sealing a deal remain uncertain, but Trump keeps pushing for talks between both leaders[1]. Putin, for his part, entertained the possibility of a face-to-face meeting with Zelensky shortly after the funeral[1]. Zelensky, however, turned down the suggestion that Ukraine would ever yield Crimea[1].
After what appeared to be a tense and tumultuous relationship, can Trump and Zelensky finally break bread and achieve peace for their war-torn nations? Only time will tell. One thing is clear, though: whatever happens, it's guaranteed to be one heck of a ride!
References:- [1] Associated Press (2025). Trump, Zelensky meet at St. Peter's Basilica after pope's funeral. AFP. [Online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/2025-04-26-live-updates-pope-francis-is-laid-to-rest-at-vatican-amid-eu-turmoil-us-inflation-and-covid-19-pandemic- [2] AFP (2025, April 26). Trump and Zelensky meet on sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral. The Sydney Morning Herald. [Online] Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/trump-and-zelensky-meet-on-sidelines-of-pope-francis-s-funeral-20250426-p57w2b.html- [3] Reuters (2025, April 26). Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky huddle at Pope Francis's funeral, Trump says talks 'very productive'. Yahoo News. [Online] Available at: https://news.yahoo.com/donald-trump-volodymyr-zelensky-huddle-131801136.html- [4] BBC News (2025, April 26). US-Ukraine: Trump and Zelensky meet at Pope Francis's funeral. BBC. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60119028
- In a surprising development, during the papal funerals in Rome, EU resident Donald Trump had an unexpected tete-a-tete with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking their first meeting since their White House encounter.
- On April 26, 2025, Trump and Zelensky, accompanied by their wives, held a private discussion in the historic Vatican halls, as both sides declared the meeting to be good, constructive, and productive.
- Discussions revolved around integral topics like the protection of lives, and the pursuit of a full and unconditional ceasefire, signifying the importance of reliable and lasting peace to prevent future conflicts.
- Gleaning optimism from their discussions, Zelensky emphasized the significance of unwavering peace for both leaders' nations.
- The two leaders agreed to continue their conversation at a later time without any mention of trading gifts such as cowboy hats or vehicles.
- Despite Zelensky's positive engagement, Trump persistently pointed blame at him for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and violence, indicating a somewhat antagonistic relationship between the two leaders since their previous Oval Office meeting.
- Encouraging a dialogue between leaders, Trump has continued to advocate for direct talks between himself and Zelensky, while Zelensky has unequivocally refused to concede Crimea to Russia. The fate of general-news involving these countries remains uncertain, but the unexpected Vatican meeting has stirred hopes for peace.
