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On April 26, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump held a short but important meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This 15-minute talk happened just before the funeral of Pope Francis. Described as “very productive” by the White House and “potentially historic” by Zelensky, the meeting focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic event, including when and where it happened, why it took place, who arranged it, what was said, and more.

The meeting occurred on Saturday, April 26, 2025, inside St. Peter’s Basilica, near the Baptistry Chapel by the entrance. It took place early in the morning, just before the Pope’s funeral started at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. The location, a holy and historic site, made the meeting feel even more special, tying it to Pope Francis’s message of peace.

The main goal was to discuss peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, which started in 2014 with Russia’s takeover of Crimea and worsened in 2022 with a full invasion. Trump wants a ceasefire and has sent his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting also aimed to improve ties between Trump and Zelensky after a tense White House meeting in February 2025. With peace talks stuck, this was a chance to push forward.

While it’s unclear who exactly set up the meeting, as it wasn’t announced beforehand. Ukrainian officials said Zelensky wanted to meet Trump during the Vatican visit, so Ukraine likely reached out. The White House didn’t expect a meeting, suggesting Vatican officials or others quietly organized it. The quick setup near the Baptistry Chapel shows it was planned on short notice.

Before the private talk, Trump and Zelensky briefly met French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inside the basilica. No aides joined the 15-minute meeting, keeping it one-on-one. After the funeral, Zelensky met Macron, Starmer, and planned to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Trump left Rome right after the funeral, so no second meeting with Zelensky happened.

What type of peace talks were discussed during the meeting remains undisclosed, since peace talks are sensitive. Zelensky said, “We had a productive meeting. I don’t want to share details because they’re very sensitive.” On social media, he wrote, “We discussed a lot one-on-one. Hoping for results. Full ceasefire, lasting peace to prevent another war. Very symbolic meeting that could be historic if we succeed.” The White House agreed, with Steven Cheung saying, “President Trump and President Zelensky had a very productive discussion.” Trump hinted at progress on Truth Social, saying, “They are very close to a deal.”

They might have discussed Trump’s idea to let Russia keep Crimea, which Zelensky rejected. Instead, Zelensky suggested sanctions and economic pressure. Both agreed to keep talking.

Russia-Ukraine War Updates

As of April 26, 2025, the Russia-Ukraine war is still intense. On April 24, Russia attacked Kyiv with drones, killing eight people. Trump criticized Putin on Truth Social, saying, “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Putin claimed Russian forces pushed Ukrainian troops out of Kursk.

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, had “useful” talks with Putin, and Russia said direct talks with Ukraine might restart. But as of right now, Zelensky won’t give up the territory of Crimea, pushing for security and sanctions instead.

The funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square brought together about 400,000 people. Attendees included:

• Politicians: Former U.S. President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
• Royalty: Prince William (for King Charles III), Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and royals from Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Monaco.

Additional Information –

1. Rare Meeting Spot: Holding a diplomatic talk inside St. Peter’s Basilica is unusual, as it’s a religious site. The Baptistry Chapel setting tied the meeting to Pope Francis’s peace message.
2. Vatican Seating Trick: The Vatican used French alphabetical order for seats, keeping Trump (“États-Unis”) and Zelensky (“Ukraine”) apart to avoid tension. Argentina and Italy got front-row spots to honor the Pope.
3. Zelensky’s Applause: When Zelensky approached Pope Francis’s casket, the crowd clapped, breaking Vatican rules.

The funeral had a large gathering, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re saying, “War always leaves the world worse than it was before.” Pope Francis was buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, as he wanted a simple goodbye. Mourners waved Palestinian and Argentine flags, showing his global impact.

For Trump, this was his first foreign trip in his second term, originally planned for Saudi Arabia but changed for the funeral. The Zelensky meeting, though short, was a big step toward peace, but challenges like Crimea remain.

Sources:

• The Telegraph, “Zelensky and Trump hold ‘potentially historic’ meeting”
• Zelensky’s social media, April 26, 2025
• White House statements, April 26, 2025

Recap of the Pope’s funeral updates on the Russia/Ukraine Peace Efforts