Zelensky and Trump meet briefly in Rome

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump met briefly in Rome on Saturday, as global attention turned to their first encounter since a tense and highly publicized fallout earlier this year.

The meeting, as reported by AFP, held on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral, comes at a time when Trump is increasing pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal with Russia.

The two leaders exchanged words shortly before the funeral began, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian presidency confirmed.

"The meeting took place and is already over," said Sergiy Nykyforov, Zelensky's spokesman, without giving further information on what was discussed.

Both leaders, joined by their wives, were seated in the front row of the ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica but were separated by a group of other world leaders.

Their quiet interaction was the most closely watched moment of the event, drawing curiosity from both diplomatic observers and the public.

Trump, who arrived in Rome late Friday, mingled with dozens of world figures attending the funeral, many of whom sought to raise concerns over his recent tariff policies and other matters.

However, it was his encounter with Zelensky that captured the most attention.

In the days leading up to the funeral, there was uncertainty over whether the two would meet.

Trump had said a meeting was "possible," while Kyiv remained noncommittal.

Their relationship has remained strained since February 28, when a contentious exchange in the Oval Office saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticize Zelensky for what they described as a lack of gratitude for U.S. military aid.

Despite calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, Trump has repeatedly shifted blame to Zelensky for the ongoing conflict and has urged the Ukrainian leader to accept compromises.

These include recognizing Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014 as Russian territory, a demand Ukraine has consistently rejected.

Trump posted a message on Truth Social over the weekend, suggesting peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv were close to being finalized.

"They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off’," he wrote. "Most of the major points are agreed to," he added.

His comments came as Putin met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Russia, where the possibility of direct talks with Ukraine was discussed.

The meeting coincided with the death of a top Russian general in a car bombing near Moscow, adding further tension to an already unstable situation.

Meanwhile, Zelensky has not backed down from his position. He continues to reject any deal that involves surrendering Crimea.

The Ukrainian leader remains firm that peace cannot come at the cost of territorial integrity.

Trump, appearing increasingly impatient, has recently warned he may withdraw from peace efforts altogether if there is no visible progress.

Last week, he threatened to abandon the push for a ceasefire.

Though he has previously claimed he could end the war within 24 hours if re-elected, he admitted in a recent Time Magazine interview that the remark was made "in jest."