Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a private audience with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Vatican on Saturday. This was their first meeting since an explosive confrontation in the Oval Office back in February. The personal ordination meeting held in St. Peter’s Basilica. Indeed, in public remarks by President Zelenskyy immediately following his meeting with the US President, he characterized their discussions as “extremely productive.” This conversation happens in a somewhat surprising environment—one still filled with hope and optimism—seeking peace in Ukraine as the country’s war against Russia drags on.
Since Russia escalated its war on Ukraine with a full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has increasingly opted for the military-style outfit. At that meeting, he still had the same look, dark, buttoned shirt looped into military jacket. He told reporters that his outfit, his choice of clothes, represents support for the Ukrainian soldiers currently fighting to protect their country from invasion.
“The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy and Trump exchanged a handshake during a Papal funeral mass. Afterward, they joined a concert by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron among other world leaders. Photographs released by Zelenskyy’s office showed the two leaders deep in conversation, with no aides in sight.
Despite their difficult personal history, Zelenskyy said after this week’s call with Trump that it was an encouraging conversation. He was impressed that they were able to make such a big impact during their short one-on-one conversation.
“Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy underscored that this meeting has the potential to be historic if it translates into real outcomes of peace for Ukraine. Unlike many Republicans, he understood the hazards that Trump’s incendiary rhetoric poses. In the process, he implied that the ex-president has been ensconced in a “disinformation bubble.”
Though these tensions prevail, both leaders seem equally committed to finding a path forward and working toward peace. Zelenskyy made it clear that any peace proposal that would accept Crimea as Russian territory cannot be accepted by Ukraine and its fellow Europeans.
Coming out of their private meeting, aides soon started making plans for a possible follow-up session later Saturday in Rome. We see both sides taking a genuine interest in discussion and negotiation. They’re excited to tackle the critical questions surrounding the new reality brought on by the war in Ukraine.
“It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The dialogue is an encouraging sign, especially since we all know the situation on the ground in Ukraine is still very volatile. As Zelenskyy continues to seek international support, the implications of his discussions with Trump could resonate beyond bilateral relations, potentially influencing broader geopolitical dynamics.
As world leaders gather to address various issues at the Vatican, Zelenskyy’s commitment to advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty remains steadfast. His meetings show us all the need and urgency to find peaceful resolutions, but the reality and intricacies of a profession built on world-wide diplomacy.
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