Trump questions Putin’s desire for peace after meeting Zelensky at the Vatican
Donald Trump has raised doubts about Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome.
Posting on social media after leaving the city, Trump expressed concern that Putin might be “tapping me along,” citing Moscow’s recent missile strikes on Kyiv. He added there was “no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas.”
Earlier, Trump and Zelensky were seen in deep conversation inside St. Peter’s Basilica, shortly before the funeral service began.
According to the White House, the 15-minute meeting between Trump and Zelensky was described as “very productive,” while Zelensky said it had the “potential to become historic.”
This encounter marked their first face-to-face meeting since their tense Oval Office exchange earlier this year.
Writing on his Truth Social account, Trump said the Russian missile attacks “make me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”
Trump had previously claimed that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal” after his envoy, Steve Witkoff, held three-hour talks with President Putin on Friday.
During their last meeting at the White House, Trump bluntly told Zelensky that “you don’t have the cards” and that Ukraine was not winning the war against Russia.
He repeated a similar message this week, insisting that the Ukrainian leader still had “no cards to play.” Trump has also previously blamed Ukraine for the start of the conflict and has criticized Zelensky for allegedly obstructing peace negotiations.
Despite Trump’s skepticism, the White House maintained a more optimistic tone regarding Saturday’s meeting. Zelensky called the sit-down “very symbolic,” suggesting it could be significant “if we achieve joint results.”
Two images were released from their meeting, showing Trump in a blue suit and Zelensky in a black top and trousers, locked in serious discussion while seated opposite each other.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also shared a photo of the encounter on X, writing: “No words are needed to describe the importance of this historic meeting. Two leaders working for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica.”
Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced on Saturday that Putin had reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Ukraine “without preconditions,” following discussions with Trump’s envoy, Witkoff.
Another photo shared by the Ukrainian delegation showed Trump and Zelensky standing alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron’s hand rested on Zelensky’s shoulder, hinting at the European leaders’ role in facilitating the meeting between Trump and the Ukrainian president against the solemn backdrop of the funeral.
Following their meeting, Trump and Zelensky descended the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica together. Zelensky’s arrival drew applause from the gathered crowds as the two leaders made their way to their seats in the front row.
Thousands lined the streets of Rome to pay tribute as Pope Francis was laid to rest, witnessing a moment of unexpected diplomatic significance unfold at one of the world’s most historic landmarks.