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Trump and Zelensky Hold "Very Productive" Meeting in Rome Amid Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks
Trump and Zelensky meet in Rome for "productive" talks on Ukraine’s peace, discussing ceasefire and lasting peace.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-26
Trump and Zelensky Hold

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a “very productive” meeting on Saturday in Rome, according to a White House official. The two leaders, who attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, engaged in discussions about achieving peace in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky, describing the meeting as symbolic and potentially historic, highlighted the topics covered, including the protection of Ukrainian lives, a complete and unconditional ceasefire, and a long-lasting peace to prevent the recurrence of war. In a post on Telegram, Zelensky expressed hope that the discussions could lead to tangible results. "It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results," he wrote.

The encounter, which lasted about 15 minutes in St Peter’s Basilica, was marked by both leaders sitting close together and engaging in direct conversation. Following this initial meeting, a second session was arranged for later in the day, with both teams working on the logistics.

Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, called the discussion “constructive,” and a White House spokesperson said that more details would follow. Photographs released by Zelensky’s office showed the leaders in a close-knit exchange, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron also in attendance.

The meeting comes at a critical moment for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with Trump expressing optimism that a ceasefire could soon be agreed upon. He has also advocated for high-level talks between Kyiv and Moscow to finalize a peace deal. However, challenges remain, with differences emerging between the White House and Ukraine on critical issues such as the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, the pace of sanctions relief for Russia, and Ukraine's security guarantees.

Trump and Zelensky’s relationship has been fraught with tension. During their previous Oval Office meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three." Despite the rocky personal dynamics, both leaders now recognize the need for cooperation to bring about a swift peace deal.

Zelensky’s attire during the meeting also drew attention. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky has opted for military-style clothing as a show of solidarity with his country's fighters. In Rome, he wore a dark shirt, buttoned up to the neck, paired with a military-style jacket, continuing his departure from traditional suits.

 
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RussiaUkraineWar

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