(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in private at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral Mass on Saturday, resulting in a “productive discussion,” the White House said.
“President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately today and had a very productive discussion. More details about the meeting will follow,” Steven Cheung, White House communications director, told a pool of reporters.
The head of the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service posted a picture of the two on X with the emojis of the Ukrainian flag, the American flag and hands shaking in the caption.
Zelenskyy called it a “good meeting” on X.
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“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out,” Zelenskyy wrote. “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.”
The two world leaders also met in late February at the Oval Office. The meeting was contentious, unlike this one.
The discussion comes as Trump said on Friday that Ukraine and Russia are close to reaching a ceasefire deal. On Thursday, Trump told Putin via Truth Social to “STOP!” after Russia attacked Kyiv, its deadliest in nine months.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump wrote.
