Zelensky details discussions on air defense systems and sanctions with Trump during Vatican encounter
Hangin' with the Prez: Zelensky's Vatican Rendezvous with Trump
Ukrainian prez, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, dished on a lively chat with ex-U.S. president Donald Trump at Pope Francis' funeral shindig in Vatican City. In a releasing from his admin, Zelenskiy touted this meeting as the best they've ever had[1][2][3].
The two discussed beefing up Ukraine's air defense and slapping sanctions on Russia, which Zelenskiy described as having a "very strong" Trump response on the sanctions topic, no deets given though.
Zelenskiy and Trump also agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was the first step to ending the war in Ukraine.
The pair also inked a minerals deal that'll grant the United States preferential access to Ukrainian mineral deals and trigger American investment in Ukraine's reconstruction[4]. This cash, according to Zelenskiy, will be reinvested locally and won't dodge off to offshore accounts.
Zelenskiy sees a 3-3 split of appointees on the fund's supervisory board, with both countries having an equal say in the director selection. The deal aims to establish a fund to manage investments and profits.
Regarding air defense systems, Zelenskiy revealed Ukraine's keen interest in more effective air defenses that have been a top priority since Russia launched its full-scale invasion three years ago[5]. However, the specific systems getting considered and whether they'll be contributed to the fund remain under wraps.
Trump's administration has murmured its frustration over the ongoing failure of Russia and Ukraine to engage in peace talks[6]. Kyiv, on the other hand, insists on immediate, unconditional 30-day ceasefires, while Putin has hinted at many unresolved details before such a truce can happen[7].
Zelenskiy hinted at a possible coincidence: if the U.S. brings forward the allocated 2026 military aid and counts it toward the fund, that cash could arrive this year[5]. The precise meaning of this remark, including whether it refers to aid already supplied in 2025, remains fuzzy.
The minerals agreement was signed against the backdrop of U.S. concerns over Russia's obduracy in peace negotiations[6]. Moscow has proposed a three-day ceasefire around May 9, the date Russia honors its World War Two victory, yet Kyiv, with ongoing war battles, cannot assure the safety of foreign dignitaries at the annual Moscow victory parade[7].
As a response, Russia's hardline Security Council deputy chairman, Dmitry Medvedev, threatened that if Ukraine instigates an attack on Moscow on May 9, Kyiv might not survive till the 10th[8].
1: Source 12: Source 23: Source 34: Source 45: Source 56: Source 67: Source 78: Source 8
- In discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed readiness to reinforce Ukraine's air defenses and agreed on a principle of imposing sanctions on Russia.
- During the meeting, Zelenskiy and Trump also agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was essential to ending the war in Ukraine.
- The pair agreed to establish a fund to manage investments and profits, aiming to attract American capital to Ukraine's reconstruction.
- The signed minerals deal grants the United States preferential access to Ukrainian mineral deals, with the understanding that the funds will be reinvested locally.
- Zelenskiy revealed that Ukraine is keen on more effective air defenses, particularly those considered since Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago.
- The policy on war-and-conflicts and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remains a topic of ongoing frustration for Trump's administration, as indicated in general news reports.
