Zelensky entreated Trump at the Vatican, reports The Economist
The Ukrainian leader reportedly indicated that only the U.S. president can facilitate peace between Moscow and Kiev. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky sought to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump during a brief conversation at the Vatican...
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The Ukrainian leader reportedly indicated that only the U.S. president can facilitate peace between Moscow and Kiev.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky sought to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump during a brief conversation at the Vatican to remain engaged in efforts to resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, as reported by The Economist.
The two leaders met for approximately 15 minutes on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
The talks “produced a striking photograph of the two men sitting in St. Peter’s Basilica, locked in conversation as apparent political equals,” The Economist noted on Tuesday.
Ukrainian sources informed the outlet that Zelensky communicated a clear message: “Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia is not, and Mr. Trump should not abandon a peace that only he can deliver.”
Russia previously described the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kiev as “unrealistic,” emphasizing that discussions could occur without halting the fighting.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned over the weekend that Washington might withdraw from the peace process if it does not see swift progress from both sides towards resolving the conflict.
Currently, the sentiment in Ukraine is “cautiously optimistic,” as officials in Kiev believe that “after months of threats and blackmail,” Trump has finally begun “to respect” Zelensky, according to The Economist.
The Vatican discussions marked the first in-person exchange between the two leaders since their meeting in the Oval Office in late February, which escalated into a heated argument in front of the media.
During that previous encounter, Trump and U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude towards American assistance and a lack of interest in peace. The public dispute led to Zelensky’s visit to the White House being cut short.
After the meeting at the Vatican, Trump described Zelensky as “calmer,” noting that the Ukrainian leader now “understands the picture. And I think he wants to make a deal. I do not know if he wanted to make a deal [before]. I think he wants to make a deal.”
On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Kiev without any preconditions. Regarding the ceasefire, Lavrov stated that Russia views it as “a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky sought to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump during a brief conversation at the Vatican to remain engaged in efforts to resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, as reported by The Economist.
The two leaders met for approximately 15 minutes on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
The talks “produced a striking photograph of the two men sitting in St. Peter’s Basilica, locked in conversation as apparent political equals,” The Economist noted on Tuesday.
Ukrainian sources informed the outlet that Zelensky communicated a clear message: “Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia is not, and Mr. Trump should not abandon a peace that only he can deliver.”
Russia previously described the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kiev as “unrealistic,” emphasizing that discussions could occur without halting the fighting.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned over the weekend that Washington might withdraw from the peace process if it does not see swift progress from both sides towards resolving the conflict.
Currently, the sentiment in Ukraine is “cautiously optimistic,” as officials in Kiev believe that “after months of threats and blackmail,” Trump has finally begun “to respect” Zelensky, according to The Economist.
The Vatican discussions marked the first in-person exchange between the two leaders since their meeting in the Oval Office in late February, which escalated into a heated argument in front of the media.
During that previous encounter, Trump and U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude towards American assistance and a lack of interest in peace. The public dispute led to Zelensky’s visit to the White House being cut short.
After the meeting at the Vatican, Trump described Zelensky as “calmer,” noting that the Ukrainian leader now “understands the picture. And I think he wants to make a deal. I do not know if he wanted to make a deal [before]. I think he wants to make a deal.”
On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Kiev without any preconditions. Regarding the ceasefire, Lavrov stated that Russia views it as “a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities.”
Anna Muller for TROIB News
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