Ukraine must hold election in order to negotiate, Trump says
Feb 19, 2025
US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City.
A spokesperson from Kiev was quoted by Italian broadcaster Rai News as saying that Zelensky and Trump held a meeting ahead of the funeral, without providing further details.
The White House also confirmed the meeting, describing their conversation as "productive."
Several media outlets also reported that Trump and Zelensky agreed to meet again on Saturday following the funeral.
The two leaders' meeting came just one day after Trump said Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal," following talks between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.
