President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymr Zelenskyy met briefly at St. Peter’s Basilica where both men were in attendance on Saturday at the funeral of Pope Francis. This comes after a contentious week that saw peace talks between Ukraine and neighbor Russia break down, as well as a strike on capital Kyiv at the hands of Russia.

Footage of their meeting shows the two men taking time in St. Peter’s Basilica after aides set up jsut two chairs so the two men can share a private conversation. Diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the US, has been in the public eye with both men speaking on social media about their intentions.

"Good meeting," Zelensky posted, along with a photo of the two met engaged in what appears to be intense conversation. "We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
 

Trump has been adamant since even before taking office that he intended to see an end to the war that has cost so many lives on both sides of the conflict. He has urged both Zelensky and Russia's President Vladimir Putin to come to the table and get a peace deal done. 

After he landed in Rome to pay his respects to the passed Pope, Trump posted on Truth Social about his assessment of the peace deal. 

"Just landed in Rome," he said. "A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to “finish it off.” Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!"

Trump has asked Zelenskyy to sign a deal that would give the US access to rare earth minerals beneath the ground in Ukraine as a means for that nation to pay off the substantial funds that the US has given in support of their defense against Russia. On Friday, he posted that the signature was "three weeks late." 

Trump's team has also attempted to secure a deal in which Russia keeps the territory it has gained during the war, which began with their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and would see Ukraine never become part of the NATO treaty. Zelenskyy balked at these terms. Russia then bombed civilian sites in Kyiv.

Trump has told Zelenskyy that he can either work toward peace or "lose the whole country." While critics complain that Trump is giving too much away to Russia, Trump insists that he's just looking at reality. Americans were hopeful at his promise to end the war and stop the billions in cash, weapons and aid from going to Ukraine every year in their attempt to drive back Russian forces.