Moscow and Kyiv must hold direct talks soon to end the Ukraine war President Donald Trump posted on social media on his arrival in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
Trump’s post said that most major issues had been addressed and called for an “end to this cruel and senseless war.”
His comments ahead of the funeral where world leaders are gathering come amid intensified U.S. efforts for peace and a warning that the White House will walk away from the table if a deal is not agreed soon.
Newsweek has contacted the Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministries for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump has increased pressure on Kyiv amid intensified efforts to reach a peace agreement. Following talks on Friday between Russia and the U.S., Trump’s post will add to speculation about whether a peace deal is imminent as well as concerns over whether it would be to Ukraine’s disadvantage.
What To Know
Trump is joining world leaders in Rome for the funeral of the Pope Francis, which as a major set piece of international relations will include informal talks regarding the war in Ukraine, although Russian President Vladimir Putin is not attending.
The White House said on Saturday that there had been a “very productive” meeting between Trump and Zelensky on the sidelines of the funeral, without providing further details, according to Agence France Presse.
WH confirms ‘very productive’ Trump-Zelensky meeting on sidelines of Pope Francis funeral “President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately today and had a very productive discussion. More details about the meeting will follow.” – @StevenCheung47
— Danny Kemp (@dannyctkemp) April 26, 2025
The meeting lasted only several minutes, according to reports although Sky News reported that the leaders had agreed to hold further talks after the pope’s funeral service.
Following his arrival in Rome, Trump posted on Truth Social that there had been a good day of talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. He said that both were very close to a deal and should now meet at very high levels to “finish it off.”
The post did not mention Putin or Zelensky but said that major points had been agreed and that there needed to be an end to the bloodshed adding “we will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!”
Trump’s post had indirectly referred to the meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin in Moscow on Friday which the Kremlin said had brought the sides “closer” regarding the war and other geopolitical issues.
Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov, who attended the talks, told reporters Friday that the possibility of resuming direct negotiations was raised, where so far they have centered on U.S.-led shuttle diplomacy.
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!”
The White House per AFP: “President Trump and President Zelenskyy met privately today and had a very productive discussion. More details about the meeting will follow.”
What Happens Next
Trump’s proposal for formal recognition of Crimea and the de facto acceptance of Moscow’s hold over other occupied territories in Ukraine will continue to clash with Kyiv’s counterproposal for security guarantees and for territorial questions to be addressed after a full ceasefire.
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