Trump and Zelensky discuss peace plans in St Peter's

President Trump and President Zelensky speaking together in St Peter's Basilica - ICN Screenshot

Source: Vatican Media

Shortly before the Pope's funeral, the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States are reported to have met for a "very productive" discussion on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Photos show Ukraine's President Zelensky deep in conversation with President Trump, the pair seated across from each other in St Peter's Basilica.

From the very beginning of the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis continuously offered to mediate to help bring about peace. He appealed for an end to the war at almost every public appearance, and his prayers for "tormented Ukraine" became a familiar refrain. The Pope's calls were, above all, calls for dialogue - for the involved parties to come together and find a way to put an end to the conflict.

A spokesperson for the White House called the discussion "very productive". President Zelensky said that it had been a "good meeting", and the pair had "discussed a lot one on one."

Zelensky wrote on social media: "Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting the lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out."

The last time Trump and Zelensky met in person, at the White House, the discussion devolved into an acrimonious verbal brawl. Earlier this month, President Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to "walk away" from efforts to broker a peace deal. And just two days ago, Russia carried out its deadliest air attack on Kyiv since the beginning of the year.

Today, however, the discussion seemed far more productive. Zelensky said it was a "very symbolic meeting, with the potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."

If those results do materialise - if the "just peace" so often spoken of by the late Pope is achieved - it might just be Francis' first miracle.