**EU Leaders to Talk to Trump Before Putin Call**
Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has made a surprising announcement. He and leaders from Britain, France, and Poland plan to speak with US President Donald Trump before his scheduled call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
This news came out during the Pope Leo XIV inaugural mass at the Vatican. Merz met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and had extensive talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The main topic was the upcoming phone call between Trump and Putin, which has raised concerns among EU leaders.
“I spoke with Marco Rubio, including about the call tomorrow,” Merz told reporters. “We agreed that we will speak again with the four state leaders and the US president in preparation of this conversation [with Putin].”
**Ukraine’s President Meets With US Officials**
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Rubio on the sidelines of the papal inauguration. This was their first meeting since a contentious White House encounter in February regarding Ukraine’s war strategy.
The 40-minute Rome meeting took place before Trump’s planned calls with Putin and subsequent discussions with Zelenskyy and NATO allies. These diplomatic efforts follow the first direct Ukraine-Russia talks in over three years, held recently in Istanbul.
**A Fragile Peace Process**
While both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange, Russia rejected Ukraine’s proposed 30-day ceasefire and maintained territorial demands that Kyiv dismissed as unserious. Zelenskyy characterized his Rome talks as “productive,” noting they discussed the Istanbul negotiations where Russia sent representatives “with no authority to make decisions.”
He emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for genuine diplomacy and the need for a complete ceasefire.
**A Symbol of Hope**
During the day, Zelenskyy also met with Pope Leo XIV, thanking the Holy See for offering to host peace talks. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s preparation for “real results.” The Pontiff is seen as a symbol of hope – and could help end the war.
As EU leaders prepare to speak with Trump before his call with Putin, one thing is clear: the road to peace in Ukraine is complex and fragile.
