President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral. The two leaders discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire and reach a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Russia on Thursday, suggesting consequences if Moscow continues bombing Ukraine and refuses to engage in peace talks within the next week. The statement came during an Oval Office meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, following a deadly missile strike in Kyiv that left at least 10 dead and dozens injured.
In a rare gesture described as humanitarian, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine over the Orthodox Easter holiday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States will pause negotiations in the peace deal between Ukraine and Russia unless more progress is made.
In a recent development, Russia has proposed to the United States the use of its frozen assets to purchase Boeing aircraft, contingent upon the establishment of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
On Sunday April 13, Russian ballistic missiles struck the city center of Sumy, Ukraine, during Palm Sunday celebrations, resulting in at least 34 civilian deaths and injuring 117 others, including children.
President Donald Trump on Friday urged Russia to take swift action toward ending the war in Ukraine, stating “too many people [are] DYING” in what he called a “terrible and senseless war.” His statement came as Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg in an effort to broker a ceasefire.
