This was the first time Pope Francis had ever had a meeting during his funeral since his angry encounter in Washington, D.C. in February.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Voldimir Zelenkie held a “very productive” meeting at the Vatican, the first time White House officials have since the tense oval office meeting in February this year.
“President Trump and Zelenkey met personally today and had a very productive discussion. Details of the meeting continue,” White House communications director Stephen Chen said on Saturday.
Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak described the 15-minute meeting as “constructive” but did not provide details.
The two leaders were in the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’ funeral. Their meeting faced an increasing challenge in efforts to negotiate the end of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Zelenskyy’s office releases photos of the meeting and offers rare glimpses of private talks. In one photo, the two leaders sat on the other side towards the magnificent marble hall, leaning closely while they were in conversation.
No aides appeared with them.
Another image in the same environment shows the Ukrainian president standing in close circles with the US president, British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer and French Emmanuel Macron.
The tension between Trump and Zelensky was fully on display at the last meeting. The Ukrainian president faced criticism from Vice President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who are seen as a lack of gratitude for American support. US reporters also accused Zelensky of being neglected for not wearing a suit.
Trump, who pushed both Moscow and Kiev towards a ceasefire, said Friday that talks between his envoy and Russian officials were “productive” and urged a direct meeting between the two sides to finalize the agreement.
However, a division is emerging between Washington’s proposal and the status of Kiev and its European allies. One major point is the US proposal to legally recognize Crimea as Russia’s territory, and it is strongly opposed to the moves of Ukraine and European countries.
There is also a dispute over the timing of Moscow’s sanctions relief, the nature of Ukraine’s security guarantees, and how Kiev will be compensated economically.