ROME — Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private and “very productive” meeting on Saturday in Rome, according to a statement from the White House. The two leaders, who were both in Italy to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, met on the sidelines for their first face-to-face discussion since a tense Oval Office encounter earlier this year.
White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed the meeting to reporters at the Vatican early Saturday, noting that further details would be released soon. The conversation comes at a critical moment in efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, with Trump actively pushing for a ceasefire agreement.
On Friday, Trump expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations, citing encouraging dialogue between his envoy and Russian officials. He also stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that if no agreement is reached soon, his administration would consider stepping back from its mediation efforts.
Sources familiar with the peace talks say growing disagreements have surfaced, particularly over Washington’s proposed terms. Documents obtained by Reuters reveal the Trump administration’s suggestion to legally recognize Crimea as Russian territory — a proposal firmly rejected by Ukraine and its European allies. Other contentious points include the timeline for lifting sanctions on Russia, the nature of Ukraine’s security guarantees, and the framework for financial compensation to Kyiv.
Saturday’s meeting also carried symbolic weight. Zelenskyy, who has consistently worn military-style clothing since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, once again opted for his signature look in Rome: a dark shirt buttoned to the neck, layered under a dark military jacket, without a tie. This choice echoes his commitment to standing in solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
Their last meeting in February had been marred by tensions, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy’s attitude toward U.S. aid. A reporter had even commented on Zelenskyy’s attire at the time, suggesting it was inappropriate for the Oval Office setting.
Despite past frictions, Saturday’s meeting appeared more focused on diplomacy and cooperation. As global attention remains fixed on the war in Ukraine, the outcome of these high-level discussions could play a significant role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Further updates on the Trump-Zelenskyy talks are expected in the coming days.