Zelensky: Trump conversation at the Pope's funeral was the best so far

Zelensky: Trump conversation at the Pope's funeral was the best so far

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that his conversation with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican last month could be described as her "best" yet. The two heads of state discussed US sanctions and Ukraine's air defense.

Important conversations in the Vatican

The short one Meet, which took place as part of the funeral of Pope Francis in April, was of great importance for Ukraine. At this critical juncture, there are concerns that the US could reduce its support for Kiev and abandon peace talks.

Positive balance of the discussions

Both sides described the discussions as positive; it was their first face-to-face meeting since then failed meeting in the Oval Office in February. Shortly after that meeting, Trump expressed concerns about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin was actually interested in peace, a sign that he appeared to be losing patience with his Russian counterpart.

Substantial discussions about sanctions and air defense

“I think we had the best conversation ever with President Trump,” Zelensky said Friday. He noted, “It may have been the shortest, but it was the most substantial.” Zelensky spoke about US sanctions without going into detail, calling Trump's statements on the subject "very strong." He also renewed his interest in strengthening Ukraine's air defense and expressed a desire to acquire American weapons.

Ceasefire and new military aid

“I explained the amount to him and he told me that they were working to ensure that these things were not free,” Zelensky explained. The two also agreed that a 30-day ceasefire was “the right first step” and that “we will move in that direction.”

Important mineral deal

Washington and Kyiv signed on Wednesday important mineral agreement — a deal both sides have been trying to reach since Trump returned to the White House in January. Zelensky noted that the Vatican meeting was the key turning point for the agreement and that he managed to rebut Russian claims that Ukraine was unwilling to reach an agreement with the United States.

Criticism of Putin's ceasefire

The Ukrainian president also criticized a three-day ceasefire called by Putin late last month, which was scheduled to last from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11. These dates coincide with celebrations of the Soviet victory over the Nazi regime on May 9, with international leaders including China's Xi Jinping and Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko expected in Moscow.

“Kiev will not play games to create a comfortable atmosphere for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9,” Zelensky emphasized.