Trump’s Vatican meeting with Zelensky may change history

Will the meeting end the war?

On April 26th, leaders from across the world gathered in Vatican City to honor the life of Pope Francis following his death. However, amid the funeral proceedings, there was a moment captured on camera that could come to define world history. 

A meeting unlike any other

US President Donald Trump was caught sitting directly across from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a one-on-one meeting that quite literally saw the two leaders sitting face-to-face. What was said is unknown, but it could change the war. 

Trump’s criticism of Zelensky

Trump has been a fierce critic of Zelensky since he took office, and has played hardball with the Ukrainian leader in order to secure an end to the war Zelensky is fighting. This has led to some problems for the Ukrainians. 

Zelensky’s political problems

Zelensky has had to face down the temporary halt of US military support following an argument in the Oval Office in February, complaints from Trump that Zelensky isn’t supported by his citizens, and Trump’s growing disdain for aiding Ukraine. 

Trump’s assaults on Ukraine

Since Trump took office, the United States has been pulling away from its Ukrainian ally while also pushing Kyiv to cut an unfavorable deal with Russia. However, that situation may have finally changed after the Vatican meeting. 

Everything came to a head

There was a culmination of complicated events that all came to a head in the days and weeks before Trump’s impromptu meeting with Zelensky, including a warning from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington might walk away from peace negotiations if progress wasn't made. 

Attacking Zelensky over Crimea

On April 23rd, things appeared to come to a head when Trump criticized Zelensky for a public statement he made telling the world that Ukraine wouldn’t recognize Crimea as a Russian territory, something the Trump administration wanted from Kyiv as part of a final peace deal.

Trump’s public statement

“It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social before adding that Zelensky could have peace or fight on and lose his country. 

A Russian attack on Ukraine

On the evening of April 23rd to 24th, Moscow launched one of its largest aerial missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in months, a situation that seemed to anger Trump. He posted a rare rebuke of Vladimir Putin on Truth Social following the attack. 

Trump’s criticism of Putin

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump wrote. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump added. 

The meeting at the Vatican

Two days after Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Trump met with Zelensky, one-on-one. What was said between the two may never be known, but it appeared that Trump came away from the meeting with a far more nuanced view of the war. 

A short and productive talk

Reuters reported that Trump and Zelensky met for 15 minutes and that a White House spokesperson called the meeting “very productive.” Zelensky provided more details but his explanation of what happened was still light on information. 

Zelensky’s point of view

Zelensky wrote on social media that he had a “good meeting” with Trump and that the two discussed a lot. “Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire,” Zelensky explained. 

A reliable and lasting peace

“Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out,” Zelensky added. “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results,” Zelensky continued before thanking President Trump.

Trump’s comments on the meeting

Trump would later take to Truth Social shortly after the meeting and write out a condemnation of former President Joe Biden for letting the war happen, but he also issued another rebuke of Putin for attacking Ukraine on the night of April 23rd-24th. 

Another rebuke of Putin

“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions?” Too many people are dying!!!” Trump wrote. 

What will happen now?

Whether or not Trump will follow through on his threat to impose additional sanctions on Russia is still unknown, but in the hours after the Vatican meeting Kyiv agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, and surprisingly, so did Russia according to reports.