فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a 15-minute meeting inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral on April 26, 2025. The talks were described as “positive” and “productive,” focusing on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, with French President Emmanuel Macron playing a key role in facilitating the discussions.
Symbolic Meeting Amid Global Attention
The meeting took place in Rome, ahead of the papal funeral, which drew world leaders and prominent figures, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The White House, through Communications Director Steven Cheung, described the talks as “highly productive.” Zelenskyy, in a post on X, called the encounter “symbolic” and potentially “historic,” stressing the need for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” and a “reliable, lasting peace.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha shared images on X that captured the intensity of the dialogue, noting its historic significance. The two leaders later walked together to St. Peter’s Square, where Zelenskyy was greeted with applause.
Macron’s Mediation and Diplomatic Context
French President Emmanuel Macron, along with Starmer, was present at the start of the meeting, signaling his role as a mediator. Macron later met with Zelenskyy at the French Embassy to the Vatican, reaffirming a shared goal with Trump to end the war. According to the BBC, Macron stated that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire.
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of strained relations. A previous encounter in February 2025 was described as contentious, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of lacking the leverage to defeat Russia and blaming Ukraine for starting the war. Despite this, the Rome meeting marked a step toward constructive dialogue.
Peace Proposals and Challenges
Trump recently proposed a peace plan that includes recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and acknowledging Moscow’s control over occupied Ukrainian territories, as reported by Axios. Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, citing violations of Ukraine’s constitution, and countered with a proposal for a complete ceasefire and Russian reparations, according to The New York Times.
While both leaders expressed a commitment to peace, their differing visions highlight the complexities of resolving the conflict. Zelenskyy’s demand for reparations and Trump’s push for territorial concessions remain points of contention.
What’s Next?
Following the funeral, Trump returned to the United States, while Zelenskyy held further meetings with Macron and Starmer and is expected to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Rome talks have laid the groundwork for continued diplomatic efforts, with Macron and other European leaders advocating for a “just and lasting peace,” as stated by Starmer.
The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, but its symbolic setting and Macron’s mediation underscore the global push for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Zelenskyy stated, the talks could prove “historic” if they lead to tangible progress.
