Rudolph Angler Former U.S. President Donald Trump raised new doubts about a quick peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. As he left Pope Francis’s funeral, Trump posted on social media, expressing concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent missile attacks on civilian areas.
Trump’s comments came after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders met on Saturday before the funeral service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Their face-to-face meeting was their first since a tense encounter in February at the White House.
Trump Skeptical About Putin’s Intentions
Trump’s skepticism about a near-term peace deal was evident after his meeting with Zelenskyy. He questioned Putin’s intentions, writing, “Putin had no reason to fire missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns recently.” This statement underscored Trump’s growing doubts about the possibility of ending the war in the short term.
In contrast to Trump’s concerns, President Zelenskyy remained optimistic after the meeting. He described the encounter as “symbolic,” adding that it could be historic if both leaders could achieve meaningful results. On social media, Zelenskyy wrote, “We discussed much one-on-one. Hoping for results on everything we covered.” His priorities included securing a full ceasefire, protecting lives, and ensuring long-lasting peace to prevent future conflicts.
The unexpected meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy was a sharp contrast to their recent public criticisms. It also sparked renewed hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The two leaders appeared to have a productive exchange. Photos released by the Ukrainian government showed them sitting across from each other inside St. Peter’s Basilica, looking directly at one another. The images highlighted the significance of their first in-person meeting since February.
Trump’s Growing Concerns Over Putin’s Actions
Despite the hopeful symbolism of the meeting, Trump remained cautious. As he left the Pope’s funeral, Trump continued to question Putin’s willingness to end the war. He posted on social media, “Putin’s missile strikes into civilian areas suggest he may not want the war to end.”
Trump also raised the possibility of additional sanctions, including banking and secondary sanctions. He wrote, “Maybe he’s playing me along. We must consider banking or secondary sanctions. Too many people are dying!”
These comments marked a shift in Trump’s approach. Earlier, he had expressed optimism about a potential peace deal, even praising the work of U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who had recently met with Putin in Moscow. At the time, Trump had claimed that both sides were “very close to a deal.”
The escalation of Russia’s military actions, including the missile strike on Kyiv last Thursday that killed at least 12 civilians, fueled Trump’s concerns. Moscow’s ongoing offensive has continued to target Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and cities.
Putin’s Absence at the Pope’s Funeral
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, skipped the Pope’s funeral. His absence added to the tension surrounding the diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Since the start of the invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized significant territory in eastern and southern Ukraine, including the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. These territorial gains have been a key point of contention in the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy Rejects Trump’s Proposal on Crimea
In the past, Trump has suggested that Ukraine might need to cede Crimea to Russia to secure peace. However, President Zelenskyy has firmly rejected this idea. He has stated that surrendering any Ukrainian territory would violate the country’s constitution and undermine its sovereignty.
The conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy comes at a critical time as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue. Despite ongoing military actions, both sides have shown some willingness to negotiate, though deep differences remain.
While Trump’s skepticism about a swift peace deal is evident, Zelenskyy’s commitment to protecting Ukrainian territory and ensuring a full ceasefire remains strong. The outcome of their discussions could shape the future of the conflict.