What Happened?
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had an unplanned meeting at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (a major church in Rome) during Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday. This was their first face-to-face discussion since a heated argument in February involving Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance.
Key Details:
- Where? The meeting happened in the grand, historic setting of the Vatican.
- How Long? They spoke privately for 15 minutes after a shorter group chat with leaders from France and the UK.
- What Was Discussed?
- Trump’s proposed plan for a ceasefire (stop fighting) and lasting peace in Ukraine’s war with Russia.
- Zelensky called it a “good meeting” but hasn’t agreed to Trump’s ideas yet.
- A major sticking point: Trump wants the U.S. to recognize Crimea as part of Russia (a region Russia took from Ukraine in 2014). Zelensky opposes this.
Why Does This Matter?
- Trump’s Leverage: The U.S. provides Ukraine with weapons and intelligence (like spy data) to fight Russia. Trump hinted he might cut this support if a deal isn’t reached, saying, “Ask me again in two weeks.”
- Zelensky’s Hope: He wants a peace deal that prevents future wars and called the meeting “symbolic” with “historic potential” if they succeed.
Context & Tensions:
- Previous Clash: In February, Trump, Zelensky, and VP Vance had a loud, public disagreement in the Oval Office.
- Rare Earths Deal: Trump criticized Ukraine for delaying a deal involving rare earth minerals (valuable materials used in tech like phones), calling it “three weeks too late.”
What’s Next?
Trump isn’t backing down from his demands, but both sides are open to negotiation. The world is watching to see if this unexpected meeting leads to a breakthrough—or more stalemate.
Key Takeaway: This high-stakes chat could shape Ukraine’s future, but major disagreements remain.