In a recent Oval Office interview, President Donald Trump offered a rare glimpse into a private and emotional encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, which took place within the solemn halls of St. Peter’s Basilica shortly before the funeral of Pope Francis, became a symbolic moment for two wartime leaders whose nations remain caught in the crossfire of geopolitics and global unrest.
Trump, speaking with ABC News’ Terry Moran, reflected on what he called “a moment of solace,” as he and Zelenskyy shared a quiet exchange under the watchful eye of the world. “A lot of his people are dying,” Trump said, his tone marked by uncharacteristic gravity. “They’re being killed, and I feel very badly about it.”
The image of the two leaders speaking inside one of the world’s most sacred spaces quickly spread across international media, capturing a rare instance of shared humanity amid the backdrop of conflict. It also marked the first time Trump and Zelenskyy had come face-to-face since their tense Oval Office meeting earlier this year, in which the Ukrainian president had strongly urged Trump to take a firmer stance against Russian aggression.
A Shift in Tone
In February, Zelenskyy had pushed hard during their White House exchange, imploring Trump to increase support for Ukraine and to exert more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I really count on your strong position to stop Putin,” Zelenskyy reportedly told him.
But by late April, following their Vatican meeting, Trump appeared to be reconsidering both Putin’s intentions and his own diplomatic posture. In a social media post following the funeral, Trump criticized recent Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas… It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war. He’s just tapping me along,” Trump wrote.
Pressed by Moran during the interview, Trump reiterated those remarks. “It’s possible. Sure,” he said of Putin potentially stalling peace efforts. “He could be tapping me along a little bit. But I would say that he would like to stop the war.”
Trust, Respect, and Realpolitik
When asked whether he truly believed that Putin wanted peace, even amid relentless missile attacks on civilian targets, Trump maintained his position. “I think he does, yes,” he replied. “I think because of me, he’s not going to take over the whole country.”
Trump’s view stands in sharp contrast to many U.S. intelligence assessments and the perspectives of other Western leaders, who have accused Putin of escalating violence and showing little interest in negotiations. However, Trump framed his confidence in terms of personal influence, suggesting that Putin respects him enough to temper his ambitions.
“I don’t trust a lot of people,” Trump admitted when asked directly about his trust in the Russian leader. “But I do think this — let’s say he respects me.”
The Optics of Power and Peace
The symbolic weight of Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy, held within the hallowed walls of St. Peter’s Basilica during a moment of global mourning, cannot be understated. For many, it served as a temporary pause in an otherwise unrelenting conflict — an intersection of faith, diplomacy, and war.
That quiet exchange, however brief, was layered with complex messaging. Zelenskyy, representing a nation under siege, sought solidarity and support. Trump, returning to the global stage as commander-in-chief, was positioning himself once again as a dealmaker capable of restraining world powers.
It remains to be seen whether this new tone will translate into concrete policy changes or shifts in U.S. strategy toward Ukraine and Russia. Trump’s administration has so far taken a less aggressive approach compared to previous efforts, favoring negotiation and deterrence over direct confrontation.
A War Still Raging
Despite Trump’s assertions that Putin “would like to stop the war,” the reality on the ground remains grim. Missile strikes continue to target Ukrainian cities. Civilian casualties climb. And peace talks, if they are happening at all, appear stalled.
Nevertheless, Trump insists that his influence is having a restraining effect. “His dream was to take over the whole country,” he said of Putin. “I think because of me, he’s not gonna do that.”
That confidence may be reassuring to his supporters, but it offers little immediate relief to the people of Ukraine, many of whom continue to live under the shadow of Russian artillery.
The Human Cost
As Trump acknowledged in the interview, the human toll of the war weighs heavily. His remark — “a lot of his people are dying” — spoke to the suffering of ordinary Ukrainians, even as political and military strategies continue to dominate headlines.
For Zelenskyy, the meeting with Trump represented both an opportunity and a challenge. Gaining the U.S. president’s empathy is one thing; securing firm and lasting support in the face of a relentless invasion is another.
Looking Forward
As the war drags on and diplomacy remains elusive, Trump’s comments offer a glimpse into the delicate dance of modern leadership — balancing power, perception, and human suffering on a global stage.
Whether Trump’s reflections mark the beginning of a more engaged U.S. role in resolving the conflict remains uncertain. But for now, the world has paused to consider a quiet conversation between two leaders amid the grandeur and gravity of a pope’s funeral — a moment of solace in a time of war.
