The Vatican, a place of peace and reflection, became the stage for an unexpected diplomatic encounter. In the midst of paying respects to the late Pope Francis, a flurry of activity unfolded in St. Peter’s Basilica. Men in black robes hurriedly set up red-cushioned chairs, and Secret Service agents stood alert. The scene caught the attention of visitors, who witnessed a significant moment: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in their first face-to-face meeting since a heated exchange in the Oval Office.

    The meeting was a result of careful planning and a bit of luck, driven by both sides at a critical juncture in the ongoing war. European officials had been pushing for this meeting, hoping it could lead to productive negotiations. Trump’s criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the meeting was notably strong, raising hopes that the U. S. might be shifting its approach to the conflict.

    Trump’s comments about Putin were his harshest yet, expressing a desire for peace and a resolution to the war. However, his stance on Putin has been inconsistent, sometimes aligning with the Kremlin’s views. The meeting’s symbolism was powerful, taking place in a setting where Pope Francis had previously called for peace. Yet, it remained unclear if the meeting had any tangible impact on the efforts to end the war.

    The encounter was not something either side had planned for, and both were cautious not to reveal their expectations. Trump had initially suggested he wouldn’t have time for extensive meetings while in Rome. Inside the Vatican, as Trump and Zelensky walked through the building, it was uncertain if they would actually sit down for talks. However, Vatican officials quickly arranged for them to have a private conversation.

    The specifics of their discussion remain confidential, with only brief summaries provided afterward. The next day, Trump mentioned that Zelensky had asked for more weapons, a typical request, and that they briefly discussed Crimea. Trump seemed indifferent to Zelensky’s potential objections about Crimea, stating that it had been a long-standing issue. Trump’s efforts to end the Ukraine war have been challenging, and he has expressed frustration with the complexity of the situation.

    Despite the difficulties, the meeting offered a glimmer of hope for diplomacy. Trump also appreciated the grandeur of the setting, describing it as the nicest office he had ever seen. The encounter highlighted the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs, even in the most unexpected places.

BASILICA

A Surprising Chat in the Vatican

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