R.M.P Marotta Long Island

Via Euronews: Trump and Zelenskyy speak at Pope Francis’ funeral in ‘potentially historic’ meeting https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/26/trump-zelenskyy-meet-at-popes-funeral

US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy met on Saturday before the funeral service for Pope Francis in the Vatican.

“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Saturday. “Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”

“Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results,” he concluded, thanking the US president.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the meeting and said they “met privately today and had a very productive discussion.” He added, “More details about the meeting will follow.”

Meanwhile, in historic photographs released by Ukraine’s Presidential Administration, the two leaders can be seen inside St Peter’s Basilica, sitting across from each other as they confer eye-to-eye.

The direct, impromptu meeting in the basilica and the body language of the two leaders strongly contrast with the public snipes of the last few days.

Shortly after arriving in Rome on Friday, Trump said on social media that Ukraine and Russia should meet for “very high-level talks” on ending Moscow’s all-out war, now in its fourth year.

Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier Friday, and the US president said both sides were “very close to a deal”.