Zelensky Describes Meeting with Trump as Potentially Historic

Synopsis

In a significant meeting in Rome, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed crucial issues ahead of Pope Francis' funeral. Zelensky expressed optimism about achieving results that could lead to lasting peace, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding Crimea.

Key Takeaways

Trump and Zelensky's meeting was productive.
Zelensky emphasized the need for peace and a ceasefire.
The first in-person meeting since February's Oval Office encounter.
Continued tensions over Crimea highlighted.
Trump criticized Zelensky's statements on Russia.

Rome, April 26 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened in Rome prior to Pope Francis’ funeral, as officially stated by the White House on Saturday.

“President Trump and President Zelensky engaged in a private meeting today that proved to be quite productive,” commented White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, highlighting that further details regarding the meeting will be provided soon.

“It was a good meeting. We had an extensive one-on-one discussion. I am optimistic about what we will achieve from our discussions—safeguarding the lives of our citizens, establishing a full and unconditional ceasefire, and ensuring a reliable and enduring peace to avert further conflicts. This meeting carries significant symbolism and could be historic if we reach collaborative outcomes. Thank you, President Donald Trump,” Zelensky remarked on X after their discussions.

This marked the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the February Oval Office encounter, where Trump criticized Zelensky for not sufficiently appreciating the support provided by the United States.

In other developments, the fourth meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff occurred on Friday in Moscow, with Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov stating that the three-hour dialogue was constructive and beneficial.

Earlier this week, President Trump criticized Zelensky, labeling the Ukrainian leader's remarks on Crimea as “deeply detrimental to the Peace Negotiations with Russia.”

In their latest exchange, the Trump-Zelensky disagreement centered around Crimea, with Trump asserting that the region should be acknowledged as Russian territory, while Zelensky steadfastly maintained Ukraine’s position, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

“No one is pressuring Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, but if he desires it back, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was surrendered to Russia without any resistance?” Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday.

“Statements like Zelensky's make it exceedingly challenging to reach a resolution in this conflict. He has little to be proud of,” Trump added, asserting that “The circumstances for Ukraine are dire—he can choose peace or continue fighting for another three years only to lose the entire nation.”