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Before and after the funeral services for Pope Francis, a remarkable display of funeral diplomacy unfolded at the Vatican this weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a heartfelt meeting, seizing a rare opportunity for dialogue.

A Heartfelt Meeting During a Solemn Occasion

For fifteen minutes, Ukraine’s wartime leader managed to secure critical face time with Trump. This meeting came just two months after Zelensky’s disastrous February 28 visit to the Oval Office, where tensions flared between him, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance in front of the White House press corps. Last week, however, the scene was very different. 

Trump and Zelensky sat side-by-side in a marbled hallway at St. Peter’s Basilica, attempting to mend their strained relationship.

Historic Images of Funeral Diplomacy

The images captured of the conversation have already been described as iconic, likely destined to appear in history books for generations to come.

The two leaders sat just two feet apart, leaning toward each other in a deep and focused discussion. No aides, translators, or note-takers were present — just two chairs that would not look out of place in an American hotel conference center, with profound potential consequences for millions affected by the war in Ukraine.

Both sides described the meeting positively. The White House called it a "very productive" conversation, while Zelensky posted on social media that it was a “good meeting. We discussed a lot, one-on-one.”

Other Leaders Discuss Peace

Meanwhile, other global leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, were also present at the Vatican. Macron was seen placing a supportive hand on Zelensky’s shoulder, symbolizing solidarity.

Starmer and Macron have been leading efforts to organize a peacekeeping mission to enforce a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. However, British military officials expressed concerns this week, telling The Times that a so-called “coalition of the willing” has become too risky. Consequently, Downing Street has backed down from the proposal.

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Trump Speaks Out on Russia

Trump also voiced his frustration over Russia’s continued attacks.

“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the last few days,” Trump fumed on social media. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently.”

Trump suggested he might soon announce new sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin as a sign of his growing skepticism.

Meanwhile, Zelensky posted on X, "Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”

A Shift in Trump’s Stance

Earlier in the week, businessman Steve Witkoff met with Putin at the Kremlin with a broad smile, offering no public criticism of Russia’s deadly Wednesday night attack on Kyiv — the deadliest in almost a year.

However, after meeting with Zelensky on Saturday night, Trump appeared to be adopting a harder line against Putin.

Access to any American president is a precious commodity in Washington, but with Trump, timing is everything. As Zelensky discovered, a few quiet moments of funeral diplomacy can sometimes change the course of history.