**Zelensky Urges Trump to Toughen Stance on Putin in Vatican Meeting**
In a brief but significant meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed US President Donald Trump to take a harder line against Russian President Vladimir Putin and push for a complete ceasefire in Ukraine.
According to Axios, the 15-minute conversation took place on April 26 inside St. Peter’s Basilica after the two leaders encountered each other at the funeral. Zelensky reportedly urged Trump to return to his original proposal of an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for peace talks, which has been supported by Kyiv but rejected by Moscow.
This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their tense encounter in February, during which Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky over what they called “a lack of gratitude for US support.” The Vatican meeting was seen as a possible reset, with sources telling Axios that Zelensky’s advisers had initially debated whether the meeting was worth the risk.
**A Shift in Trump’s Approach?**
In a surprising move, Trump posted a critical message about Putin on Truth Social after the meeting, suggesting that he may not be committed to stopping the war and might need to be dealt with through banking or secondary sanctions. This shift in tone has been welcomed by Kyiv, which has long called for a tougher stance against Moscow.
Trump also clarified that official US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory would come from Washington, not Ukraine. This move has drawn sharp warnings from Ukrainian lawmakers, who fear that such recognition would undermine global norms on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**A Necessary Compromise?**
During the meeting, Zelensky reiterated that he is open to compromise but needs firm security guarantees before making concessions. This approach has been widely praised by international leaders, who see it as a necessary step towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.
In the face of mounting pressure from Russia and its allies, Kyiv’s demand for unconditional ceasefire as a starting point for peace talks may seem like an impossible ask. However, Zelensky’s insistence on security guarantees before making concessions suggests that he is willing to negotiate, but not at any cost.
As tensions continue to rise in Eastern Europe, the Vatican meeting between Trump and Zelensky has sparked hope among diplomats and analysts that a new era of cooperation may be possible. However, only time will tell whether this brief encounter can lead to meaningful change on the ground.
**A New Era for US-Ukraine Relations?**
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky marks a significant shift in US-Ukraine relations, which have been strained since February’s Oval Office confrontation. While much remains to be seen, one thing is clear: Kyiv will not back down without a fight, and the international community must stand firmly behind its commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In this moment of high stakes, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s administration can deliver on its promises. One thing is certain, however: Ukraine will continue to fight for its freedom and security, no matter what the cost.
