Trump meets Zelenskyy in Rome amid stalled Russia-Ukraine peace efforts
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently met face-to-face for the first time since their highly publicized Oval Office clash back in February. The meeting took place in Rome, where both leaders were attending Pope Francis’ funeral, although the exact timing of their encounter remains unclear.
While Ukrainian and White House officials have been tight-lipped about the specifics of the meeting, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described it as “a very productive discussion.” Zelenskyy later took to Twitter to characterize the meeting as “very symbolic” and potentially “historic.”
The February incident at the White House saw Zelenskyy abruptly leaving after a heated argument with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Reflecting on the spat, Zelenskyy later told Fox News that it was “bad for both sides.” This recent meeting comes at a critical juncture as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have hit a roadblock, with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin both making conflicting demands.
Trump, who has been vocal about the conflict, has taken to social media to express his views on the matter. He criticized Putin for continuing strikes on Kyiv and expressed his displeasure with Zelenskyy for rejecting Russian control over Crimea. Despite the challenges, the White House remains optimistic about Trump’s ability to bring an end to the war.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the war is “endable” and suggested that both sides simply need to agree to a resolution. He also mentioned positive developments from recent meetings focused on resolving the conflict. Trump has set a deadline for achieving peace and remains hopeful about the prospects of reaching a deal.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that diplomatic efforts are crucial in finding a lasting solution to the conflict. The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy marks a significant step in the ongoing peace process, with both leaders potentially playing key roles in shaping the future of the region.
This article was written by Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
