Volodymyr Zelensky was pictured in conversation with Donald Trump at the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis. The Ukrainian leader now says they agreed on several points
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky says he and Donald Trump had “the best conversation of all” when they met at Pope Francis’ funeral as they agreed on mineral deal and a ceasefire.
The pair were pictured sitting facing each other and deep in conversation at the Vatican which was the first time they were together since their heated argument at the Oval Office in February. That confrontation led the White House to briefly pause US military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
But their meeting in Rome appears to have been a lot more constructive with Zelensky saying afterwards that “very significant” developments may take place in the following days. And Zelensky has now revealed that he and Trump agreed that a 30-day ceasefire was the right step forward to bring about peace, according to a Telegram message.
Describing the meeting he is understood to have said: “I think we had the best conversation of all” where they also discussed signing an agreement on mineral resources, sanctions against Russia and military aid.
Meanwhile, Zelensky also said Moscow was responsible for the safety of world leaders visiting Russia for the World War II commemorations planned next week. “Our position is very simple towards all countries that have travelled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 – we cannot take responsibility for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are ensuring your safety,” he said.
The United States and Ukraine signed off on an agreement last Wednesday that is expected to give the Americans access to mineral resources, while providing Zelensky with a measure of assurance about US support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.
And speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to pursue a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. He said the proposed ceasefire could start on any date and last for a full month, offering time for meaningful steps toward ending the war. “Let’s be honest — you can’t agree on anything serious in three, five, or seven days,” he said.
While, Zelensky said that Moscow’s announcement of a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire next week in Ukraine to mark Victory Day in World War II is merely an attempt to create a “soft atmosphere” ahead of Russia’s annual celebrations. “It looks unserious,” he said, “so that Putin’s guests on Red Square feel comfortable and safe.”
The Ukrainian leader reiterated that Kyiv’s military actions will remain “mirror-like,” responding to Russia’s moves. He acknowledged that implementing a complete frontline ceasefire without robust international monitoring remains nearly impossible, but emphasized that the 30-day window offers a credible start.
He confirmed ongoing efforts to convene a meeting of international advisors, meaning the next round of the negotiations with the US. He also expressed hope that it could happen in Ukraine, saying it was a “positive sign” that such a gathering is under discussion despite recent personnel changes in Washington.
