Zelensky claims discussion with Trump during their Vatican meeting last week was potentially the most successful yet - as Ukraine fires British missiles towards Russia, given American President's consent
V voltage conversation at the Vatican between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump may have been a game-changer, Zelensky suggests.
After their meeting last weekend, Zelensky believes that President Trump had a different perspective on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. 'I have faith that following our encounter in the Vatican, President Trump seemed to view things through a fresh lens,' Zelensky told a group of journalists, including AFP, over the weekend, with the remarks set to be released on Saturday. 'We'll see. That's his vision, and it's ultimately his choice.'
The two leaders met face-to-face for the first time in two months following a tumultuous meeting in the White House in February, where Zelensky was abruptly escorted out of the Oval Office. Their meeting took place during Pope Francis' funeral, held at the end of April.
Since then, the geopolitical landscape has shifted, with noteworthy developments. Recently, both Washington and Kyiv have signed a new minerals agreement, allowing the United States to invest in various Ukrainian deposits, including rare earth and other resources. The deal comes as the U.S. aims to reduce its military aid to the war-torn country.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has stepped up its military actions. Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched the heaviest strikes on Russia within months, with targets including the Crimean Bridge and the port city of Novorossiysk. Storm Shadows were reportedly utilized against Russian naval and commercial facilities in Novorossiysk.
Zelensky has dismissed a ceasefire ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, coinciding with Moscow's World War II commemorations. However, Kyiv is reportedly prepared for a full ceasefire if conditions allow. He emphasized that Ukraine won't enter into any diplomatic games to create an amicable environment for Putin's exit from isolation on May 9, when some international leaders are expected in Moscow.
Heavy bombardments were also reported throughout the Krasnodar region, Rostov region, and the occupied Crimea peninsula over the last few days. Russian sources claim that they have successfully downed 170 drones, 14 unmanned attack boats, eight Storm Shadows, and three Ukrainian Neptune-MD guided missiles. However, the exact number of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles striking targets is not immediately clear.
Among the attacked targets in Novorossiysk was a residential tower block, wounding civilians, including children. The debris from the downed drones struck residential buildings in other cities, causing further civilian casualties.
While it remains unclear whether the U.S. played an active role in this operation, reports suggest that the use of Storm Shadow missiles may require specific approval from the United States, given Ukraine's reliance on a U.S.-controlled satellite constellation for launching such strikes.
Russian officials have stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are incapable of striking targets with Storm Shadows without U.S. satellite support. 'For the first time since January, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a strike with British Storm Shadow missiles on internationally recognized territory of Russia, on Novorossiysk,' said Sergei Markov, director of Russia's Institute of Political Studies.
These changes come as crucial evidence emerges that Putin has no intention of honoring the extended ceasefire demanded by the U.S. and Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces continue to resist Putin's relentless assaults on civilian populations, striking cities like Kharkiv, where 44 people were reportedly injured, including an 11-year-old child last night.
'Russia deliberately attacked residential areas when Ukrainians were at home, putting their children to bed,' said Zelensky. 'Only monsters can issue such orders and carry them out. As the world continues to grapple with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a horror, resulting in lost lives.'
Zelensky also defended his decision to conduct strikes against Russia, saying, 'Russia continues to refuse a full, long-term ceasefire—all parties are tired of Russian manipulations. We fight for our positions and will act accordingly on both the front lines and in actions on Russian territory.'
Sources:
- 'Russian sources claim Ukraine launched storm shadow missiles against Novorossiysk in recent attacks,' Sky News, May 3, 2025. Link
- 'Russia hits Ukraine with missile strike following volley of Ukrainian drone attacks,' Fox News, May 3, 2025. Link
- 'US reviewing evidence of Putin's intention to avoid peace talks,' CNN, April 30, 2025. Link
- 'US legalizes use of longer-range weapons in Ukraine,' Military Times, May 1, 2025. Link
- After the conversation at the Vatican, President Zelensky indicated that Donald Trump might have a new perspective on the war-and-conflicts between Ukraine and Russia.
- Recent developments in politics, such as the signing of the minerals agreement, have shifted the geopolitical landscape since the Vatican meeting.
- Ukraine has intensified its military actions, with reported strikes on targets like the Crimean Bridge and Novorossiysk, including the use of Storm Shadows.
- Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire ordered by Putin, but Kyiv is allegedly prepared for a full ceasefire under favorable conditions.
- Sports-betting enthusiasts may be interested to know that the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Ukraine's military actions might require specific approval from the United States.
- General-news and crime-and-justice outlets are reporting heavy bombardments in various regions of Russia, causing civilian casualties, including children.
- Zelensky called on the international community to take action, stating that nearly every night, Ukraine faces a horror resulting in lost lives due to Putin's relentless attacks on civilian populations.
