Trump-Zelenskyy Talks Improve—VP's Absence Key?

A recent encounter between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral appears to have yielded a more constructive dialogue than their previous meeting, sources indicate. The brief discussion, held Saturday at the Vatican, occurred as both leaders attended the Pope’s funeral and comes amidst ongoing efforts to find a resolution to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to reports from Axios, Zelenskyy received prior indication that Trump was open to a meeting. While no formal plans were in place beforehand, the two leaders unexpectedly met alone within St. Peter’s Basilica upon arrival. Zelenskyy reportedly urged Trump to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin, asserting that the Russian president would not alter his stance without it. Trump, according to sources, signaled a potential shift in his approach, a sentiment later echoed in a Truth Social post referencing potential sanctions.

The Ukrainian president also reiterated his country’s acceptance of an unconditional ceasefire as a starting point for peace negotiations – a proposal Russia has previously rejected – and reaffirmed Ukraine’s position that Crimea remains Ukrainian territory. Trump reportedly did not dispute this, but did again press Zelenskyy to finalize a minerals deal between the two nations.

Notably, this meeting differed significantly in tone from the February encounter at the White House. Sources suggest the absence of Vice President Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff – individuals perceived by Ukrainian officials as leaning towards a more accommodating stance towards Russia – contributed to the more positive atmosphere.

Both governments have declined to comment on the specifics of the conversation. However, the reported shift in dynamics is a potentially significant development, suggesting that even with strained relations, a pathway for dialogue – and perhaps eventual negotiation – remains open. It’s a cautiously optimistic sign, though the fundamental disagreements between the parties remain substantial. The reliance on anonymous sources, while common in initial reporting, does limit the ability to fully assess the extent of any genuine progress. Nevertheless, the change in environment, even if subtle, is noteworthy given the high stakes involved.