A chance encounter between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at Pope Francis' funeral sparked renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting, though brief, resulted in positive reactions from both sides, although no concrete agreements were announced.
Following the meeting, Trump expressed public doubts about Vladimir Putin's commitment to peace, hinting at further sanctions, even as he previously praised Putin for not invading all of Ukraine. This contrasted with his earlier optimistic statement about a potential agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
The meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter between Trump and Zelensky since a previous tense meeting in the White House. Despite the optimistic tone following the Vatican meeting, significant differences remain on how to end the war.
The article highlights contrasting approaches to resolving the conflict. Trump's proposed plan, involving Ukraine ceding Crimea to Russia, clashes with Zelensky's insistence on Ukraine's territorial integrity and a complete ceasefire. European nations largely align with Zelensky's position.
While diplomatic efforts continue, the war rages on. The article notes Russia's claim to have expelled Ukrainian troops from Kursk, a claim disputed by Ukraine. The article concludes that despite hopes for peace, the conflict persists with significant divisions remaining between key players.