Pope Francis funeral recap: Zelensky and Trump's meeting details emerge as service ends

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump had a "very productive" meeting before today, it was revealed. Details about the meeting, the first face-to-face encounter since the clash in the Oval Office between the two world leaders in late February, emerged as the funeral of the pontiff was coming to an end. President Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, said the meeting lasted around 15 minutes. While the White House described it as "very productive", Mr Zelensky called it "very symbolic".

: "Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were said. Protection of the lives of our people. Complete and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war. A very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!" The meeting was immortalised in pictures shared by the Ukrainian president's team, showing the two men sitting in front of each other, seemingly locked in close conversations.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also posted an image of the meeting on X with the caption: "No words are needed to describe the importance of this historic meeting. Two leaders working for peace in St. Peter's Basilica." The Ukrainian President also met with the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the French President, Emmanuel Macron, a different photo, which also included President Trump, has shown.

The Ukrainian President received an applause as he arrived at the service following a few confusing hours during which his attendance had been thrown into doubt. Italian newspaper La Repubblica quoted Mr Zelensky on Friday as saying he was "not sure he'll have the time" to travel to the Vatican. He added: "If I'll have the time I'll surely be in attendance. If I won't have the time, will be adequately represented. In attendance will be the foreign minister and the first lady. When it comes to me, it is important to be here. Tomorrow we will host several military meeting."

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