Trump had surprise meeting with Zelensky before crowd applauded Ukrainian leader at Pope Francis' funeral

VATICAN CITY: Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly had a surprise meeting before the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The two leaders met inside St Peter's Basilica for 15 minutes and according to the White House it was “very productive,” as reported by the BBC.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky meet after White House clash

White House communications director Steven Cheung said, “President Trump and President Zelensky met privately today and had a very productive discussion.”

Earlier, Zelensky's spokesman Sergiy Nykyforov had told reporters, “The meeting took place and is already over,” without sharing more information.

The US president and the Ukrainian president last met in February at the White House which did not go out well.

At the time, Trump and US Vice President JD Vance mocked the Ukrainian leader and even blamed him for not being “thankful” to America for its help in its war against Russia.

Volodymyr Zelensky receives applause as he arrives at Pope Francis' funeral

Meanwhile, it has been said that Volodymyr Zelensky, who was one among several world leaders to attend the service, received applause as he arrived at the venue.

Earlier, Italian newspaper La Repubblica citing the 47-year-old had said that he’s “not sure he'll have the time” to be present for the funeral.

“If I'll have the time I'll surely be in attendance. If I don't have the time, Ukraine 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 meetings," he stated, as per express.co.uk.

Volodymyr Zelensky called ‘a symbol of real courage’ as crowd applauds him at Pope Francis' funeral

Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence also received praise online.

One said, “Zelenskyy at the Pope's funeral? Classy move, ngl," and another wrote, “Zelensky, a Hero’s welcome beneath the clouds of a great Pope!”

A person pointed out, “Pope Francis did stand with Ukraine...💯.”

Someone else expressed, “Of course he got that applause — he’s a beloved leader, a symbol of real courage and unity. Unlike a certain someone else lurking around, who’s hated by half the world and over half of his own country’s citizens. Some things you just can’t fake, no matter how many hats you sell.”

“Trump = radio silence. Zelenskyy = applause. Bloody marvelous!” one more declared. Another tweet read, "Ahaha Trump isn’t going to be happy you know 😂."

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