Trump questions Putin's desire for peace after meeting Zelensky at the Vatican

Donald Trump has questioned Vladimir Putin's desire to end the war in Ukraine. This came after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral.

After leaving Rome, Trump posted on social media. He expressed concern that Putin was "tapping me along." He noted there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas."

Earlier, Trump and Zelensky were seen discussing in St. Peter's Basilica before the funeral began. The White House called their 15-minute meeting "very productive." Zelensky described it as having "the potential to become historic."

This was Trump's first face-to-face meeting with Zelensky since February's tense Oval Office encounter. During that meeting, Trump told Zelensky he had "no cards" against Russia.

On Truth Social, Trump commented on Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. He suggested that maybe Putin does not want to stop the war and needs different handling through sanctions.

Previously, Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine were close to a deal after talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin. The Kremlin stated that Putin confirmed readiness for direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions.

Trump reiterated his earlier message this week about Zelensky having "no cards to play." He has blamed Ukraine for starting the war and accused Zelensky of hindering peace negotiations.

In contrast, the White House took a more positive stance on Saturday’s meeting. Zelensky called it a "very symbolic meeting" with potential for historic results.

Images from the meeting showed Trump in a blue suit and Zelensky in black attire, engaged in serious conversation. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke with them in the Basilica.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared an image of the leaders together, emphasizing its importance for peace. Another photo showed them alongside Starmer and Macron during the funeral.

After their meeting, Trump and Zelensky walked down basilica steps where crowds applauded Zelensky’s arrival. They took seats in the front row during the service.

During his homily, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re highlighted Pope Francis's calls for peace. He quoted: "'Build bridges, not walls' was an exhortation he repeated many times."

Ukrainian officials mentioned a possible second meeting but Trump's motorcade left immediately afterward. His plane departed Rome shortly after.

Zelensky later met Macron at Villa Bonaparte, home of the French embassy to the Holy See. He also met Starmer at Villa Wolkonsky and held talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Macron stated on X that ending the war is a shared objective with Trump. He added that Ukraine is ready for an "unconditional ceasefire."

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer and Zelensky discussed recent progress toward lasting peace in Ukraine. They agreed to maintain momentum and speak again soon.

During February’s heated exchange at the White House, Trump accused Zelensky of risking World War Three by rejecting ceasefire plans led by Washington.

Kyiv faces increasing pressure from Trump to accept territorial concessions to end the war. These would include giving up land like Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.

Zelensky has consistently rejected these ideas but suggested a full ceasefire could open discussions about everything.