Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at the Vatican, Ukraine’s Fate Still Shrouded in War

A Symbolic Meeting Amidst Mourning

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on April 26, 2025, at the Vatican during Pope Francis’ funeral. It marked their first face-to-face meeting since tense discussions at the White House earlier in February. This encounter reopened diplomatic channels amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump’s Skepticism Toward Russia’s Commitment

Trump’s Statement After the Meeting

In a brief 15-minute discussion at St. Peter’s Basilica, Trump and Zelenskyy discussed the protection of civilians, an unconditional ceasefire, and achieving lasting peace. Following the meeting, Trump expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions.

Through his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that Putin “might just be playing him” and called for additional sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting the banking sector.

Russia’s Brutal Attacks on Civilians

Trump also sharply criticized Russia’s missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, including a deadly attack in Kyiv that killed 12 people and injured 87 others (NDTV).

The Unrelenting Suffering of Ukrainian Civilians

Humanitarian Crisis and Mass Displacement

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, the Ukrainian people continue to suffer. Infrastructure remains devastated, food and medicine supplies are scarce, and over six million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries. Millions more live as internally displaced persons under emergency conditions with limited access to basic necessities.

Psychological Trauma Among Ukrainian Children

Ukrainian children face severe psychological trauma, having lost family members and lived under the constant threat of violence, worsening the humanitarian catastrophe across conflict zones.

Diplomatic Tensions and the Challenges of Peace

Ukraine’s Rejection of the U.S. Peace Proposal

The U.S. peace plan, which suggested recognizing Russia’s annexation of certain Ukrainian territories, was firmly rejected by Ukraine and its European allies. Ukraine insists that discussions about territorial sovereignty must only happen after a permanent ceasefire is secured.

Warning from the U.S. Secretary of State

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that U.S. diplomatic involvement could be reconsidered if no tangible progress is made (Reuters).

A Long Road to Peace

While the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Vatican reignited diplomatic hope, the reality on the ground remains grim. With deep skepticism toward Russia and complex diplomatic hurdles, Ukraine’s path to peace appears long and fraught with challenges.