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ROME — President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a private, high-stakes meeting on Saturday during the funeral of Pope Francis, according to official statements from the White House.
The conversation between the two leaders was described as “very productive” by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. “More details about this important meeting will follow,” Cheung said early Saturday from the Vatican.
This marks their first face-to-face meeting since a tense Oval Office encounter in February, where President Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly pressed Zelenskyy on his attitude toward American aid. Conservatives remember how even media outlets pointed out Zelenskyy’s casual dress as a sign of disrespect at the time — a pattern he continued this weekend in Rome, once again appearing in military-style clothing instead of a formal suit.
Trump’s Leadership on the World Stage
The timing of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting is critical. President Trump has been leading international efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, after years of deadly conflict. On Friday, President Trump announced that productive talks with Russian leadership had taken place through his top envoys, urging a high-level Kyiv-Moscow meeting to finalize a peace agreement.
However, sources close to the negotiations say major hurdles remain.
According to reports, the Trump administration is willing to recognize Crimea — seized by Russia in 2014 — as officially Russian territory, a move that Ukraine and some European allies strongly oppose. Other sticking points include the speed of lifting sanctions on Russia, the security guarantees Ukraine would receive, and compensation arrangements to rebuild Ukraine.
American Priorities First
President Trump made it clear: if Ukraine and Russia cannot soon come to terms, the United States may withdraw its mediation efforts, focusing instead on domestic priorities and America’s future.
As negotiations continue, leaked documents show growing divisions between Washington’s common-sense approach under Trump and the more rigid demands from Europe.
For conservatives who value strong leadership and putting America first, President Trump’s strategy underscores the importance of realistic diplomacy over endless conflict.
Stay Tuned for Critical Updates
This is a developing story. Stay informed as President Trump continues working toward a solution that strengthens American leadership and prioritizes peace through strength.
