Overview

• US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski met privately at the Vatican on April 26, prior to Pope Francis’s funeral.
• Zelenski emphasized hopes for a total, unconditional ceasefire and durable peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• The Ukrainian president described the meeting as 'very symbolic' and expressed optimism about achieving joint results from the discussions.
• The White House confirmed the meeting as 'very productive,' though specific details of the dialogue were not disclosed.
• Both leaders, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, occupied places of honor in the first row during the funeral in St. Peter’s Square.