Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump met briefly today in Rome on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral, as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. “The meeting took place and has already ended,” confirmed Zelensky’s spokesman, Serhiy Nikiforov, without providing further details.
Both leaders attended the funeral service at St. Peter’s Basilica, seated in the front row alongside other heads of state. Notably, President Trump and First Lady Melania were seated between two strong supporters of Ukraine: Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb. Trump has a personal connection with Stubb, having recently played golf with him at Mar-a-Lago, where Stubb reportedly warned Trump about trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As world leaders focused on the funeral ceremony, attention also turned to the diplomatic developments unfolding behind the scenes. According to White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung, the Trump-Zelensky meeting was described as a “very constructive conversation,” with more details promised soon.
Speaking earlier, President Trump claimed Ukraine and Russia were “very close to an agreement,” raising speculation about a potential breakthrough. However, signals from Kyiv and Moscow suggest significant obstacles remain. Ukraine continues to reject any recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, while Russia persists with heavy demands and ongoing attacks, including recent bombings of Kyiv.
Details of the U.S. Peace Proposal
Trump is urging both sides to agree to a U.S.-brokered peace proposal, which he has described as “final.” He warned that failure to sign could prompt the U.S. to withdraw from negotiations.
Key elements of the proposal, according to Ukrainian sources, include:
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A permanent ceasefire.
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Non-specified security guarantees for Ukraine.
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Ukraine’s commitment to abandon its bid to join NATO.
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U.S. recognition of Russia’s control over Crimea and parts of Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Kherson.
In return, Ukraine would be allowed to pursue European Union membership and regain control of certain areas, including parts of Kharkiv and the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, though under U.S. management for power distribution.
The plan has been criticized in Kyiv as “biased in favor of Russia,” and acceptance appears unlikely at this stage.
Meanwhile, images released by Ukrainian officials showed Zelensky and Trump engaged in an intense conversation during their impromptu meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The informal setting, with the two leaders seated closely together on simple chairs, highlighted the urgency and high stakes of the discussion.
Source: Tovima.com
VIA: https://www.ot.gr
