Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump held a brief but highly symbolic meeting inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, just moments before the funeral of Pope Francis.

Described by the White House as a “very productive” 15-minute discussion, the meeting focused on pressing global issues, with particular emphasis on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. President Zelensky later described the encounter as “very symbolic” and noted its “potential to become historic.”

Photographs captured the two leaders engaged in deep conversation, underscoring the gravity of the moment ahead of the solemn state ceremony. Their meeting follows recent developments where President Trump indicated that Russia and Ukraine were “very close to a deal,” after diplomatic talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The timing and setting of the discussion have raised hopes of a renewed push toward peace amid a backdrop of significant international mourning and reflection.