Trump Reveals What He Told Zelensky at Vatican Meeting
Former President Donald Trump has disclosed part of his private conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the Vatican over the weekend, where both leaders attended the funeral of Pope Francis.
On April 26, Trump and Zelensky sat face to face inside St. Peter’s Basilica, just before the funeral ceremony began — their first in-person encounter since a heated exchange in the Oval Office back in February. Following brief greetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump and Zelensky held a private, 15-minute conversation without aides present.
In a televised interview with NewsNation on April 30, journalist Bill O’Reilly asked Trump what he told Zelensky during that encounter. “I told him, ‘If we can strike a peace deal and he signs it, we’ll be looking at a very good future,’” Trump said. “Because Russia is bigger and stronger than Ukraine, and they continue to make gains.”
Trump then reiterated his usual criticism of former President Joe Biden. “Russia is strong, but they’re not stronger than us. I rebuilt our military during my first term, but my predecessor ruined everything with the Afghanistan disaster. He was incompetent — didn’t have a clue what he was doing,” Trump said.
O’Reilly also referenced the recently signed U.S.-Ukraine mineral investment agreement, asking whether America’s growing economic presence in Ukraine might slow Russia’s advances. Trump responded, “It might,” but pivoted to accuse Europe of not doing enough. He once again described the Ukraine war as “Biden’s war.”
According to Axios, the Vatican meeting between the two presidents went more smoothly than Zelensky’s advisors had anticipated — in part because Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff, both seen as more pro-Russia, were not involved.
One source said Trump agreed with Zelensky that an unconditional ceasefire should be the starting point for any meaningful peace talks. Zelensky, however, made clear that Ukraine would never recognize Crimea as Russian territory — a position that contradicts a key element in a Trump administration-backed peace framework drafted in March.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 for “humanitarian reasons.” In response, Zelensky urged Moscow to extend the pause in fighting for 30 days. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later affirmed that President Trump supports a long-term ceasefire commitment from both sides.
(Sources: Daily Beast, Independent, ABC)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
