Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shakes hands with former President Donald Trump during his recent visit to the Vatican. This direct personal interaction represented a turning point in their stormy exchange. The gathering occurred a day before a funeral mass for Pope Francis. Zelenskyy, who was in Washington for the ceremony, was met by the choir while wearing a somber all-black ensemble. The event highlighted the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and provided a unique platform for a rare moment of western cohesion.
As Zelenskyy entered St Peter’s Square after the mass, he was met with a resounding round of applause from the crowd. This reception felt like a microcosm of the outpouring of support for Ukraine as it murders civilians and resumes its war against Russia. Later, he and Trump were caught alone together in St. Peter’s Basilica. As they stood together before a breathtaking mosaic illustrating the baptism of Jesus, they were marked by faith. Zelenskyy called the meeting “very symbolic,” indicating that it has important meaning beyond improving air defense Ukraine’s able to acquire.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy underscored the potential for this meeting to be historic. He underscored how the power of partnership is helping us address the crisis in Ukraine and fulfill shared outcomes together. His sentiments certainly echo the hope and need for intervention as the ground continues to stay dangerous.
The meeting was eye-catching in large part because it was the first formal meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in the same room since their now-infamous Oval Office meeting. That earlier meeting had strained their diplomatic relations. Advisers to Trump’s administration often pointed to the volatility in the bond that formed between Trump and Zelenskyy. Consequently, they suggested that Zelenskyy look for European leaders to act as mediators.
In their wide-ranging discussion, Trump specifically addressed the sudden upswing in violence in Ukraine. He continued, “There was no justification for Putin’s launching of missiles into civilian targets, civilian population centers, into cities and towns across Ukraine, over the last few days.” This very powerful line speaks to the increasing horror at Russia’s brutal tactics, showing the very real costs of this war on ordinary people.
Zelenskyy’s observations about Russia were similarly pointed. It makes me feel like perhaps [Putin] does not want to stop the war,” he concluded. This is a sobering comment, reflecting on his discussions point towards Russia’s lack of clarity as to intentions and continued confusion on unilateral peace efforts.
A second formal meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump was being planned. It never came to fruition when Trump unexpectedly left the Vatican before they were able to meet. Despite this, their first meeting likely marks the beginning of a new chapter in terms of discourse and collaborative efforts focused on supporting Ukraine.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s comment during the funeral resonated with the theme of unity during times of conflict: “Build bridges, not walls.” This sentiment is a mirror reflection of Zelenskyy’s own desires for an end to the conflict and closer ties with Western leaders.