Former U.S. President Donald Trump left the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, expressing doubts about the possibility of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the near future. Trump, who had just met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the ceremony, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent missile attacks on civilians, calling them unnecessary.
Trump and Zelenskyy’s first face-to-face conversation since February took place inside St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a significant moment amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite this interaction, Trump remained skeptical about Putin’s willingness to end the war, raising questions about the future of peace negotiations.
Trump and Zelenskyy Meet Before the Funeral
Trump and Zelenskyy had a private meeting on Saturday before Pope Francis’ funeral, which was an unexpected but significant development. The two leaders had previously exchanged heated remarks in February during a meeting at the White House, making this in-person interaction all the more notable. Photos released by Ukraine showed the two leaders seated together in the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, a setting that symbolized a rare moment of diplomacy.
Zelenskyy later described the meeting as “symbolic,” suggesting that it could become historic if tangible results were achieved. He shared on social media that they discussed various critical issues in private, including efforts to protect people’s lives, secure an unconditional ceasefire, and build lasting peace. His words reflected hopes that the dialogue could lead to meaningful progress in ending the war.
Despite these optimistic sentiments, Trump left the funeral with concerns about the path toward peace. His skepticism about the potential for an agreement was apparent in his social media comments shortly after the event.
Trump Doubts Putin’s Commitment to Peace
Trump’s doubts about the possibility of peace stemmed from recent developments, particularly Russia’s missile strikes against Ukrainian civilians. He criticized Putin’s actions, stating there was no reason for such attacks. In a post on social media, Trump suggested that these actions indicated Putin’s reluctance to stop the war. He expressed concern over the ongoing loss of life, adding that too many people were dying.
While Trump had previously been optimistic about peace negotiations, his latest remarks reflected a shift in his stance. On Friday, he had praised the efforts of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who had recently held talks with Putin in Moscow. However, Trump’s post-funeral comments suggested that the conflict might persist longer than he had hoped.
Escalating Violence and Putin’s Absence at the Funeral
The escalating violence in Ukraine has raised further concerns about the prospects for peace. Russia recently intensified its attacks, including a deadly missile strike on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people. Putin, who was notably absent from Pope Francis’ funeral, has continued his aggressive military campaign in Ukraine. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin, which may have influenced his decision not to attend the event.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has captured significant portions of Ukrainian territory, including the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. This territorial control remains a key point of contention in peace talks, with President Zelenskyy firmly rejecting any concessions on Ukrainian land.
Trump’s Peace Proposal and Zelenskyy’s Rejection
Amid the ongoing conflict, Trump has suggested that Ukraine could agree to give up Crimea, the region annexed by Russia in 2014, as part of a potential peace deal. However, President Zelenskyy has strongly opposed such a proposal, emphasizing that giving up any Ukrainian territory would violate the country’s constitution.
The differences between the two leaders on this issue highlight the deep divisions in the peace negotiations. While Trump has previously expressed a willingness to entertain territorial concessions to end the war, Zelenskyy’s position remains steadfast in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Will Diplomacy Prevail?
The spontaneous meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral underscored the complexity of the ongoing war in Ukraine. While both leaders engaged in private discussions, it remains uncertain whether their efforts will lead to a breakthrough in peace talks. With violence continuing and diplomatic channels in flux, the international community continues to hope for a resolution to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
