US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a “productive” discussion on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral as the White House ramps up its push to strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed in a statement Saturday morning that Trump and Zelensky met ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis.
Trump and Zelensky “met privately today and had a very productive discussion,” Cheung’s said. “More details about the meeting will follow.”
Photographs released by the Ukrainian presidency showed the two leaders huddled in close discussion without aides in the ornate surroundings of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
A spokesman for Zelensky said the meeting lasted for about 15 minutes, and the leaders agreed to continue talks, possibly later Saturday. “The teams are working on organizing that,” a spokesman said.
President Trump & Zelensky met before the Pope’s funeral
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) April 26, 2025
'President Trump and President Zelensky met privately today and had a very productive discussion,' said White House communications director Steven Cheung, saying more details would follow. pic.twitter.com/dl0rVfM1u6
