In a historic meeting at the Vatican, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump engaged in a productive diplomatic discussion on peace talks, marking a shift in tone from their previous encounters.
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the Vatican has been described as ‘very productive’ by the White House, with Zelensky calling it ‘very symbolic’ and potentially historic. The two leaders sat for a 15-minute discussion before Pope Francis’s funeral, which was attended by other world leaders.
In September 2019, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with then-US President Donald Trump in New York.
The meeting was part of the United Nations General Assembly.
During their private conversation, Trump offered to buy Ukraine grain from American farmers, which sparked controversy over potential conflict of interest.
The meeting also raised questions about Ukraine's efforts to secure military aid and support from the US.
Zelenskyy later testified in the impeachment inquiry, stating that he felt pressured by Trump to investigate Joe Biden and his son.
The meeting came on the heels of Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff‘s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where Russia confirmed its readiness to enter direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin had a ‘very useful’ meeting with Witkoff, which brought US and Russian positions closer together on various international issues.
Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician who has served as President of Russia since 2012.
Born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. 'Petersburg'), Putin studied law at Leningrad State University.
He began his career in the KGB and later became Deputy Mayor of St. 'Petersburg'.
In 1999, he became Prime Minister under President Boris Yeltsin and took over as President after Yeltsin's resignation.
The Trump-Zelensky meeting marked a shift in tone compared to their previous encounters. In February, Trump told Zelensky ‘you don’t have the cards’ and that he was not winning against Russia. However, this week, Trump took aim at Putin, stating that there was ‘no reason for him to be shooting missiles into civilian areas.’ The Ukrainian president described the meeting as a ‘very symbolic’ one with potential to become historic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump have had a tumultuous relationship.
In 2019, Trump withheld military aid to Ukraine, citing concerns over corruption.
Zelensky's office denied any wrongdoing, but the incident sparked an impeachment inquiry against Trump.
The two leaders have since engaged in public sparring matches, with Trump accusing Zelensky of being 'weak', and Zelensky criticizing Trump's handling of the Ukrainian conflict.
The Pope’s funeral provided an opportunity for world leaders to engage in ‘brush-by’ diplomacy, where brief meetings can lay the groundwork for future discussions. Trump and Zelensky‘s meeting was seen as a positive development, with both leaders expressing a desire for peace.
While no concrete agreements were reached during the meeting, both sides expressed a willingness to continue talks. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the encounter as ‘historic,’ highlighting the importance of two leaders working towards peace. The next steps for Trump and Zelensky will be crucial in determining the progress of peace negotiations.
The situation in Ukraine remains complex, with ongoing pressure from Trump to accept territorial concessions as part of an agreement with Moscow. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected these proposals, and it is unclear whether the US and Russia can find a mutually acceptable solution. The meeting between Trump and Zelensky marks a new chapter in the conflict, one that will require careful consideration and diplomacy.
