US President Donald Trump raised doubts about Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the war in Ukraine. He spoke after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome.

Later, Trump posted on Truth Social. He said he feared Putin was "tapping me along." He also criticized Moscow’s recent missile attacks on Kyiv, adding there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas.

Trump and Zelensky Hold a Serious Discussion

Earlier that day, Trump and Zelensky had an intense conversation inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The White House later described their 15-minute meeting as "very productive." Moreover, Zelensky said the meeting had the "potential to become historic."

Significantly, this was their first face-to-face interaction since a heated Oval Office meeting in February. At that time, Trump told Zelensky, "you don't have the cards" to win against Russia. He repeated this message again during their Rome meeting, saying Zelensky still had "no cards to play."

However, despite Trump’s strong words, the White House maintained a positive tone about Saturday’s meeting. Zelensky also remained hopeful, calling it a historic opportunity if they achieved joint results.

Trump Expresses Frustration Over Russian Attacks

Meanwhile, Trump expressed concern after Russia’s new missile strikes. Writing on Truth Social, he said, "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, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?'"

Previously, Trump had said Russia and Ukraine were "very close to a deal." His envoy, Steve Witkoff, held three hours of talks with Putin. But after the new strikes, Trump questioned Russia’s real intentions.

At the same time, the Kremlin claimed Putin told Witkoff that Russia was ready for direct talks with Ukraine "without preconditions."

Powerful Images from the Vatican

Soon after, images of the Trump-Zelensky meeting surfaced. Trump wore a blue suit, and Zelensky wore a black outfit. Both sat facing each other in serious discussion.

Additionally, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted a photo 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."

Another picture showed Trump and Zelensky standing with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron placed his hand on Zelensky’s shoulder, suggesting he and Starmer helped arrange the meeting.

Afterward, Trump and Zelensky walked down the basilica steps. Crowds applauded as they passed. Both leaders then took seats in the front row for the funeral.

During the service, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reflected on Pope Francis’s message, stating, "'Build bridges, not walls' was an exhortation he repeated many times.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue

Although Ukrainian officials had hinted at a second meeting, Trump quickly departed. His motorcade left St. Peter’s Basilica soon after the funeral, and his plane flew out of Rome shortly afterward.

On the other hand, Zelensky stayed behind. He later met Macron at Villa Bonaparte, the French embassy to the Holy See. Furthermore, he met Starmer at Villa Wolkonsky and held separate talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Later, Macron posted on X that ending the war in Ukraine was a goal he shared with Trump. He also said Ukraine was ready for an "unconditional ceasefire."

Additionally, Downing Street said Starmer and Zelensky agreed to "maintain momentum" toward securing a just and lasting peace.

Old Tensions Still Linger

Earlier this year, Trump had accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three" during a fiery White House meeting. Since then, Trump has pushed Ukraine to accept territorial concessions to reach a deal with Moscow.

Reportedly, these concessions include surrendering Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

Nevertheless, Zelensky has firmly rejected giving up any territory. Speaking to the BBC on Friday, he said, "a full and unconditional ceasefire opens up the possibility to discuss everything."