In brief
Trump conveyed on social media that he believed the recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities suggested Putin was not genuinely seeking peace, emphasizing concerns regarding the ongoing violence.
During a 15-minute meeting deemed "productive" by the White House, Trump and Zelensky discussed the state of the war, though Trump has previously been critical of Ukraine's negotiation tactics. As Zelensky engaged with other European leaders, hopes for a further meeting with Trump lingered amidst the backdrop of Pope Francis's lasting calls for peace.In a significant encounter at the Vatican, Donald Trump raised questions about Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. Following his brief yet impactful meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump took to social media to express doubts, particularly after observing continued military aggression from Russia. The former U.S. president, who described the discussions as potentially historic, highlighted that the recent missile strikes on civilian areas in Kyiv cast doubt on Putin’s intentions, stating, “Maybe he doesn't want to stop the war.” He reiterated a prior assessment that Zelensky has "no cards to play" against Putin, further adding to speculation concerning the prospects of peace negotiations.Zelensky's meeting with Trump marks the first direct encounter since their tense exchange earlier this year and was characterized by both leaders as important for fostering dialogue. Trump has previously urged Ukraine to consider compromises regarding territorial disputes, which Zelensky emphatically rejected, calling for an unconditional ceasefire as a precursor to negotiations.Photos shared from the gathering showed Trump and Zelensky engaged in serious conversation at St. Peter's Basilica, with leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron present. The gathering comes at a crucial time, as Zelensky continues to meet with other European officials, highlighting a collective push for resolution amidst ongoing conflict. Despite the serious undertones of their discussions, with calls from Pope Francis for peace resonating in the background, Zelensky’s engagements in Rome suggest active diplomatic efforts aimed at securing lasting agreements. Both leaders left the Vatican momentarily unavailable for further dialogue, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the situation as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue.
