US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Rome on Saturday ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral, marking their first face-to-face meeting since their tense February encounter in Washington.
The White House confirmed the meeting and described the discussions as ‘very productive’.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung announced that President Trump and President Zelensky held a private meeting and discussed several key issues.
“President Trump and President Zelensky met privately today and had a very productive discussion,” said Cheung, adding that more details will follow soon.
Zelensky later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting had strong symbolic value and potential to shape future diplomacy.
“Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you,” he posted.
Despite the positive tone, the leaders reportedly clashed over the status of Crimea.
President Trump reiterated his view that Crimea should be regarded as Russian territory, a stance Ukraine has firmly rejected.
Zelensky stood his ground, emphasising Ukraine’s unwavering position on its territorial integrity, according to Xinhua news agency.
Earlier in the week, Trump criticised Zelensky’s statements on Crimea, calling them damaging to peace negotiations.
“Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot?” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Statements like Zelenskyy’s make it so difficult to settle this war. He has nothing to boast about. The situation for Ukraine is dire, he can have peace or fight for another three years before losing the whole country,” Trump added.
This meeting comes just months after their February Oval Office clash, where Trump accused Zelensky of lacking gratitude for US support.
Saturday’s discussion, however, appeared more diplomatic, focusing on shared goals such as a ceasefire and preventing further escalation of the war.
While Trump and Zelensky met in Rome, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
This was their fourth meeting since the beginning of the year. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described the three-hour conversation as ‘constructive and quite useful’.
Also Read: Pak Army Chief Munir Revives Two-Nation Theory Amid Tensions With India
Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel's Negev region, targeting the Negev…
A special screening of the film 'Main Nida', based on the life of the renowned…
A flood alert was issued across Muzaffarabad on Saturday after locals reported a sudden rise…
Ishan Educational Institutions, Greater Noida, today organised a peaceful protest march condemning the recent terror…
Authorities have imposed a complete ban on the operation of drones and UAVs over and…
Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reignited controversy on Saturday by invoking the two-nation…