ROME — U.S. President Donald Trump has urged a “different approach” toward Russian President Vladimir Putin following fresh concerns about missile strikes on civilians in Ukraine. His remarks came after a poignant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican during Pope Francis’ funeral ceremonies.
Trump, visibly moved by his discussions with Zelenskyy, expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions for peace. “It makes me wonder if he’s just stringing me along instead of seeking a real ceasefire,” Trump posted on Truth Social, criticizing the recent missile attacks that targeted Ukrainian cities and towns. He suggested stronger measures, hinting at “banking” or “secondary sanctions,” to pressure Russia.
This meeting marked Trump and Zelenskyy’s first face-to-face encounter since their tense exchange at the White House in February. Zelenskyy described the meeting as “very symbolic” and potentially “historic,” emphasizing their shared goal of achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire.
Talks of Ceasefire and Ongoing Battles
Despite Russia’s claims of fully capturing the Kursk region during the funeral proceedings, Ukraine insisted that fighting continued. Both Trump and Zelenskyy stressed the need for urgent negotiations to prevent further loss of life.
Images shared by the Ukrainian presidency showed Trump and Zelenskyy in deep discussion inside St. Peter’s Basilica, underlining the gravity of their conversation amid the somber setting.
“We covered a lot one-on-one,” Zelenskyy later wrote on X. “Protecting our people, ensuring a reliable and lasting peace, and achieving a full ceasefire were our priorities.”
A White House official described the meeting as a “very productive discussion,” while Zelenskyy’s aide called it “constructive.”
European Support and Diplomatic Moves
During his time in Rome, Zelenskyy also met with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
“Europe will always stand by Ukraine in the pursuit of peace,” von der Leyen stated on X.
Trump also briefly interacted with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, with Macron describing the exchanges as “positive.”
A Divided Stage
Although Trump engaged with dozens of world leaders during the funeral, he notably avoided any meeting with his predecessor Joe Biden, who attended separately. Breaking with tradition, Trump did not invite Biden to travel with him to the Vatican, marking a significant shift in diplomatic protocol.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid their respects at Pope Francis’ coffin, sitting in the front row for the service. Trump emphasized that while important conversations took place, the solemnity of the occasion was his main priority: “Frankly, it’s a little disrespectful to have lengthy meetings during the funeral of the pope.”
As Trump pushes for a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, the world watches closely, hoping these discussions lead to real and lasting change.
