Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a brief but pointed conversation with United States President Donald Trump in a symbolic and strategically timed meeting at the Vatican. The conversation, which lasted only around fifteen minutes, took place in St Peter’s Basilica and was mediated by French officials. According to The Economist, Zelenskyy used the moment to deliver a direct message: Ukraine is prepared for an unconditional ceasefire, but Russia is not, and Trump must not abandon his unique ability to help shape a real peace.
The Ukrainian president travelled to Rome only after receiving last minute confirmation that Trump would attend the meeting. The encounter was captured in a widely circulated photograph showing the two men speaking intensely, portrayed visually as political equals despite their differing roles and backgrounds. Ukrainian sources confirmed Zelenskyy’s core message was clear – the path to peace depends not on concessions to Russia, but on pressure against the Russian dictatorship.
After the meeting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform with a rare public rebuke of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Trump criticised the recent missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and questioned whether Putin truly wants to end the war. His post hinted at possible sanctions, marking his strongest language yet on Russia since his return to politics.
American insiders told The Economist that early in the negotiation process, Trump had been disappointed with Zelenskyy. However, that sentiment has reportedly shifted, with Trump’s growing frustration now aimed at Putin. The publication suggested that the change in tone from the American side has sparked a cautious optimism among Ukrainian negotiators.
Despite the ongoing challenges, a senior Ukrainian official quoted by The Economist said, “We are trying to improve our position. But everyone is bluffing. And there is a danger that someone will overestimate their capabilities.”
Talks remain stalled due to irreconcilable positions: Ukraine demands meaningful security guarantees and full respect for its sovereignty, while Russia insists on public concessions and symbolic surrender. Still, the mood among Ukraine’s negotiation team has shifted, not from blind faith in Trump, but due to signs that international attitudes may be hardening against the Kremlin.
In parallel developments, US Special Representative for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, revealed that American and Ukrainian teams recently agreed on 22 specific actions in London. These measures could provide a foundation for advancing future negotiations and de-escalating the conflict.
