According to reports, the Ukrainian president suggested that only the US president could mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
During a brief conversation at the Vatican, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky reportedly appealed to US President Donald Trump to continue his efforts to resolve the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, according to The Economist.
Trump and Zelensky met for about 15 minutes on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.
The Economist noted on Tuesday that the meeting “produced a striking photograph of the two men sitting in St. Peter’s Basilica, locked in conversation as apparent political equals.”
According to Ukrainian sources cited by the outlet, Zelensky used the opportunity “to deliver a simple message: Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia is not, and Mr. Trump should not abandon a peace that only he can deliver.”
Russia has previously dismissed Kiev’s demand for a 30-day ceasefire as “unrealistic,” maintaining that negotiations can proceed even while fighting continues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned over the weekend that Washington might withdraw from the peace process if Russia and Ukraine do not demonstrate swift progress toward ending the conflict.
The Economist reported that the mood in Ukraine is now “cautiously optimistic” because officials in Kiev believe that “after months of threats and blackmail,” Trump has finally begun “to respect” Zelensky.
The Vatican talks marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since their encounter at the Oval Office in late February, which reportedly turned into a shouting match in front of cameras.
During the February meeting, Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance allegedly accused Zelensky of being unappreciative of American aid and uninterested in pursuing peace. The public disagreement led to the early termination of the Ukrainian leader’s visit to the White House.
Following the Vatican meeting, Trump described Zelensky as “calmer,” adding that the Ukrainian leader now “understands the picture. And I think he wants to make a deal. I do not know if he wanted to make a deal [before]. I think he wants to make a deal.”
On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Kiev without preconditions.
Regarding a ceasefire, Russia views it as “a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities,” he clarified.
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