Following a surprise meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome, US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to ending the Ukraine war.
Trump posted on Truth Social that recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv made him think Putin might be “tapping me along,” hinting at tougher measures like “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions.” Despite earlier optimism after talks between Trump’s envoy and Putin, Trump now suggests a tougher stance may be needed. The 15-minute discussion between Trump and Zelensky, held inside St Peter’s Basilica, was described as “very productive” by the White House. Zelensky called it a “very symbolic meeting with potential to become historic.”
Images released showed Trump and Zelensky in intense conversation, later joined by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, suggesting broader European efforts to encourage dialogue. After the funeral, Zelensky continued diplomatic meetings with Macron, Starmer, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, all expressing shared support for a ceasefire.
Despite Trump’s prior accusations that Zelensky was an obstacle to peace and his repeated assertion that Ukraine has “no cards to play,” Saturday’s meeting appeared more conciliatory. Still, Trump is pushing Kyiv toward accepting a ceasefire that could involve major territorial concessions—including Crimea—something Zelensky continues to reject unless tied to a “full and unconditional ceasefire.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin reiterated it is ready for talks “without preconditions,” but new Russian strikes and lingering mistrust complicate any swift resolution.
