Zelensky and Trump convened in the Vatican, with Axios disclosing the specifics of their encounter
In a surprising turn of events, Axios has disclosed the casual chit-chat between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the mourning of Pope Francis. Sources close to the situation spilled the beans on their huddle in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
Before world leaders embarked on their sorrowful journey, the Ukrainian team was left with a hint that Trump was open to a face-to-face with Zelensky. However, his advisors were reportedly on edge due to their uncomfortable encounter in the Oval Office back in February. Evidently, there were no formal arrangements, and the meeting idea sprung up spontaneously.
Upon their arrival, Trump and Zelensky apparently ran into each other, seizing the opportunity for a tête-à-tête. According to the intel, Zelensky insisted to Trump that Putin wouldn't budge unless more pressure was applied on the Russian leader. Trump seemingly acknowledged the need for a shift in tactics.
Zelensky also requested a return to the initial U.S. proposition for an unconditional ceasefire, stating it as a stepping stone towards peace talks. The sources suggest that Trump agreed with this proposition.
In addition, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine does not recognize Crimea as Russian territory and emphasized the necessity of assurances for the country's security to bring the war to an end.
Reports also indicate that Trump pressed Zelensky to expedite the signing of a deal. The White House chose to keep mum on private conversations between Trump and world leaders, and Zelensky declined to comment on the matter.
Zelensky had earlier described the meeting as potentially historic, with the White House echoing the sentiment by describing it as productive. On the same day, Trump voiced criticism towards Russia's recent bombardment of Ukrainian cities, expressing doubts over Putin's eagerness to end the war. Trump later described the conversation as "wonderful" and shared his thoughts on the encounter.
During their meeting in St. Peter's Basilica, Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly pressed Donald Trump to apply more pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end war-and-conflicts. Trump seemed to acknowledge this need, according to sources close to the situation. Zelensky also requested a return to the initial U.S. proposition for an unconditional ceasefire, which Trump agreed with. Furthermore, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine's stance that Crimea is not recognized as Russian territory and highlighted the need for assurances for the country's security to bring the war to an end. Trump, in turn, reportedly pressured Zelensky to expedite the signing of a deal. Both leaders described the meeting as potentially historic and productive, with Zelensky later declining to comment on private conversations, while the White House remained tight-lipped. Axios reported this casual chit-chat between the two leaders amidst general-news and politics.
