### Trump and Zelensky's Diplomatic Encounter at Pope Francis' Funeral: A Step Towards Peace? In a significant diplomatic moment, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the Vatican during the funeral of Pope Francis. This meeting, their first since a contentious Oval Office encounter in February, has been characterized as a potential turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations and efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump emphasized the importance of a peace deal, suggesting that Ukraine might be ready to make concessions regarding Crimea, a territory annexed by Russia in 2014. The meeting was reportedly facilitated by Prince William, who played a subtle role in encouraging dialogue between the two leaders [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/prince-williams-secret-move-led-35131342, https://www.tyla.com/news/royal-family/prince-william-donald-trump-zelenskyy-pope-francis-funeral-794613-20250428]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Context of the Meeting** - The meeting occurred during Pope Francis' funeral, attended by numerous world leaders, highlighting its global significance. - Trump and Zelensky's previous interactions had been fraught with tension, particularly following Trump's critical remarks about Ukraine's handling of U.S. military aid [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/world/europe/trump-pope-francis-funeral.html]. 2. **Key Discussions and Outcomes** - Trump revealed that he advised Zelensky to sign a peace deal if one could be reached, indicating a shift in his approach towards Ukraine [https://nypost.com/2025/04/30/us-news/trump-reveals-what-he-told-ukraines-zelensky-at-pope-francis-funeral-during-newsnation-town-hall]. - Zelensky reportedly expressed a desire for more military support from the U.S. during their discussions [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3393062/trump-reveals-zelensky-asked-more-weapons-vatican-meeting]. 3. **Reactions and Implications** - The meeting has been described as "productive" by both leaders, with Zelensky expressing hope for a "reliable and lasting peace" [https://www.news-journal.com/zelenskyy-has-hopeful-meeting-with-trump-who-then-rebukes-putin/article_242f70ab-bb04-49a4-8c43-ff03052c20e6.html]. - Trump's comments post-meeting suggested skepticism about Putin's willingness to end the war, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards a more assertive stance against Russia [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/26/amid-plea-to-build-bridges-at-papal-funeral-trump-has-a-revelation-about-russia]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Meeting Duration and Setting** - The private meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes and took place in a marble-lined basilica, emphasizing its formal and significant nature [https://www.asiaone.com/world/trump-and-zelenskiy-meet-one-one-vatican-basilica-seek-ukraine-peace]. - **Statements from Leaders** - Trump stated, "I was telling him that it's a very good thing that, if we produce a deal, that you sign it," reflecting his push for a resolution [https://nypost.com/2025/04/30/us-news/trump-reveals-what-he-told-ukraines-zelensky-at-pope-francis-funeral-during-newsnation-town-hall]. - Zelensky's office described the meeting as a crucial step towards peace, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Ukraine [https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2025/4/27/ukraines-zelenskyy-describes-vatican-meeting-with-trump-as]. ### Conclusion: A Potential Shift in U.S.-Ukraine Relations 1. **Significance of the Meeting** - The encounter at Pope Francis' funeral marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with both leaders expressing a commitment to pursuing peace. 2. **Future Implications** - Trump's willingness to discuss concessions regarding Crimea and his call for Zelensky to sign a peace deal could indicate a new phase in diplomatic relations, potentially altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict with Russia. 3. **Next Steps** - Continued dialogue and negotiations will be essential to determine the feasibility of a peace agreement, with both leaders under pressure to deliver results amid ongoing hostilities in Ukraine [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/26/trump-zelensky-pope-francis-funeral].