Media: Trump, Zelenskyy met in Vatican in quiet push for peace in Ukraine

In a quiet corner of St. Peter’s Basilica on April 26, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met face-to-face for the first time since their tense Oval Office confrontation 57 days earlier.

The meeting, orchestrated behind the scenes by both sides, was a carefully planned diplomatic effort, set against the backdrop of the Vatican, a place once graced by Pope Francis's calls for peace, Caliber.Az reports per CNN.

The scene began with a flurry of activity: men in black robes hurriedly setting up red-cushioned chairs as American Secret Service agents stood alert, keeping a watchful eye. Visitors, attending the memorial for Pope Francis, took note of the unexpected gathering. According to multiple sources, European officials had been pushing for this encounter, believing it could be pivotal in resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has now entered its third year.

Despite initial uncertainty surrounding the meeting, with Trump indicating he might not have time for extensive talks while honoring the late Pope, Vatican officials quickly mobilized to ensure the meeting took place. The two leaders were seated in a corner of the Basilica, out of sight from the main diplomatic proceedings, with a third chair initially meant for a translator, not, as some speculated, for French President Emmanuel Macron, who had been involved in earlier discussions.

Trump, speaking to reporters the following day, described Zelenskyy as "calmer," adding, "I think he understands the picture. And I think he wants to make a deal." While the specifics of their conversation remain confidential, Trump hinted at discussions surrounding military aid and Crimea. "Zelenskyy had asked me for more weapons, which is typical," Trump remarked. On the contentious issue of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, Trump remained resolute, stating, "I don’t know how you can bring up Crimea. That’s been a long time."

For all its symbolism, the meeting was also a demonstration of the delicate diplomacy involved. French President Macron, who had hoped for the two leaders to speak directly, left the room after a brief exchange with Trump, ensuring that the discussion would take place without the intervention of other leaders. The conversation occurred under a massive painting of Jesus's baptism, a setting that added to the gravity of the moment.

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who was present in Rome, noted the importance of the meeting: “The thing he was determined to do was to talk to Zelenskyy face-to-face and talk about how we’re going to get the largest land war in Europe to an end. Both sides have to want that.”

Despite the positive rhetoric, it remains unclear whether the meeting will lead to tangible changes in the trajectory of the war. Trump, who had earlier expressed frustration at the ongoing conflict, appeared eager to push for a resolution. “I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal,” Trump said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, Trump’s position on the war remains fluid. His public statements on Putin have shifted, and his handling of Ukraine has drawn mixed reactions. Nevertheless, the meeting in Rome provided a flicker of hope that diplomacy, even with its challenges, could eventually lead to a resolution.

For now, the world watches as Trump and his team weigh their next steps in a conflict that shows no signs of abating. As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “This week is going to be really important week in which we have to determine whether this is an endeavor that we want to continue to be involved in, or if it’s time to sort of focus on some other issues that are equally, if not more, important.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev