Zelensky and Trump meet before Pope’s funeral

Ukrainian President Folodimir Zellinsky and US President Donald Trump met in Rome before the funeral of Pope Francis.

Officials from both sides confirmed that the meeting was held, as the White House was described as “very fruitful.” No details have been released on the discussion.

Trump and Zelinski attend the service in the Vatican city, along with the heads of state and other royal family, including Prince William, the UK Prime Minister Sir Kerr Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Their meeting comes one day after Trump said that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to the deal”, following talks between his envoy Steve Witkev and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.

The fourth meeting of this visit by Witkoff to Russia since the beginning of the year was described by three hours later described it as “very useful” by Putin Uri Oshkov assistant.

Ushakov also added that he has approached “Russian positions and the United States more than each other, not only on Ukraine but also on a set of other international issues” that were discussed in particular “the possibility of resuming direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian actors.”

The White House Director of Communications at the White House said more details about the special meeting on Saturday between Trump and Zelinski will follow him.