Zelenskyy meets with Trump in Vatican, says it could be “historic”

This was reported to journalists from Suspilne by the president’s press secretary, Serhii Nykyforov.

Both leaders arrived in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.

Trump and Zelenskyy appeared at the funeral ceremony along with other leaders at St. Peter’s Square right at the beginning of the event.

Zelenskyy's spokesman later said that the meeting lasted about 15 minutes. The leaders agreed to continue negotiations. The teams are working to organize a continuation of the meeting. Later, the White House confirmed the meeting between the two leaders and described it as "very productive".

According to Sky News, Zelenskyy and Trump agreed to continue negotiations after the service. The two politicians have now taken their seats in St. Peter's Square alongside other leaders who have come to honor Pope Francis. The Ukrainian president was greeted with applause.

Photos of the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy shared online also show French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

Zelenskyy's reaction to meeting with Trump

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called his meeting with his American counterpart Donald Trump good and symbolic. He believes that if the meeting results in common ground, it “has the potential to become historic.”

“We hope for a result from all the things that were said. Protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent the recurrence of war. A very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve common results. Thank you, President Donald Trump,” he emphasized.

• On Saturday, April 26, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Rome to participate in the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis.