VATICAN CITY — In the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, two leaders with a rocky past carved out a moment to talk. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose last meeting ended in a public spat, sat down for what White House officials called a “very productive discussion.” The setting was somber, the stakes high, and the encounter brief—but it marked a shift from their February clash in Washington.
The two men met privately in the Basilica’s hallowed halls, surrounded by dignitaries and the weight of a global audience. Their conversation, though short on specifics, focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a topic that’s dogged their interactions since Trump’s return to the White House. Back in February, Zelenskyy stormed out of the Oval Office after a heated exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Ukrainian leader later called the episode “bad for both sides,” a rare admission of diplomatic failure. This time, though, the tone was different. No raised voices, no abrupt exits—just a guarded but civil exchange.
Details are scarce. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the meeting happened but kept mum on what was said. Ukrainian officials, equally tight-lipped, acknowledged the talk but offered no elaboration. Both sides seem keen to let the moment speak for itself, a cautious step toward mending a fractured dialogue. The backdrop of Pope Francis’ funeral, attended by leaders from across the globe, added a layer of solemnity to the encounter. It was a rare chance for Trump and Zelenskyy to meet face-to-face, away from the glare of their respective capitals.
The Russia-Ukraine war, now grinding through its third year, loomed large over the discussion. Trump has pushed for a swift resolution, often touting his deal-making prowess, while Zelenskyy has stressed Ukraine’s need for unwavering support against Russian aggression. Their Vatican meeting wasn’t a negotiation, but it signaled a willingness to keep talking—no small feat given their history.
The funeral itself was a global event, drawing heads of state to honor Pope Francis, who died earlier in April. Trump and Zelenskyy, both present for the ceremony, seized the opportunity for a sidebar. It was pragmatic, not warm—a handshake, not a hug. But in diplomacy, sometimes showing up is half the battle.
The meeting took place on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. It was the first face-to-face between Trump and Zelenskyy since their February 2025 White House dispute. The Russia-Ukraine conflict remains unresolved, with peace talks ongoing but inconclusive.