Trump shared his concerns on social media after the encounter, emphasizing that recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities made him doubt Putin's commitment to peace, even suggesting that alternative forms of pressure may be necessary. This meeting marked Trump's first direct conversation with Zelensky since their contentious exchange in February, and it was characterized as "very productive" by the White House. While Zelensky described the meeting as potentially historic, he has consistently rebuffed ideas of territorial concessions to end the conflict.
Trump Questions Putin's Willingness for Peace After Vatican Meeting with Zelensky
Trump Questions Putin's Willingness for Peace After Vatican Meeting with Zelensky
Donald Trump expresses skepticism about Vladimir Putin's intentions following a significant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral.
In a politically charged moment, Trump questioned Putin's desire to end the war after he and Zelensky held discussions at St Peter's Basilica before Pope Francis's funeral. Following the meeting, Trump expressed his apprehension about Russia's recent missile strikes on civilian areas in Ukraine, stating that it might indicate Putin's reluctance to pursue peace, as he referred to the situation as potentially involving deeper tactics rather than straightforward negotiations.
Despite the challenging context, the White House took an optimistic view of the discussions, with Zelensky highlighting the symbolic importance of their meeting amidst the funeral proceedings. Images of the two leaders in conversation were made public, showcasing a moment of diplomacy supported by other European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The backdrop of the funeral itself, marked by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re's calls for peace, underscored the gravity of the discussions. Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky attended the service, surrounded by the solemnity of the event. While Zelensky continued engagements with Macron and Starmer, the objectives of achieving a peace agreement remained fraught with complexities. Trump has been critical of Ukraine's stance on territorial negotiations, suggesting that concessions might be necessary for a resolution, a notion that Zelensky has historically resisted.
Despite the challenging context, the White House took an optimistic view of the discussions, with Zelensky highlighting the symbolic importance of their meeting amidst the funeral proceedings. Images of the two leaders in conversation were made public, showcasing a moment of diplomacy supported by other European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The backdrop of the funeral itself, marked by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re's calls for peace, underscored the gravity of the discussions. Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky attended the service, surrounded by the solemnity of the event. While Zelensky continued engagements with Macron and Starmer, the objectives of achieving a peace agreement remained fraught with complexities. Trump has been critical of Ukraine's stance on territorial negotiations, suggesting that concessions might be necessary for a resolution, a notion that Zelensky has historically resisted.
