A lip reader reveals Zelensky’s words to Donald Trump at Pope’s funeral, marking their first encounter since the Oval Office confrontation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump had a significant meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral.
This was their first encounter since a tense meeting in the Oval Office earlier this year. The two leaders spoke for about 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Zelensky called the meeting historic and significant.
Zelensky called their meeting “historic” and emphasized its potential importance. The White House also described the conversation as “very productive.”
Both leaders are eager to find ways to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted more than three years.
Footage showed Trump in a blue suit and Zelensky in a black outfit, both leaning forward, engaged in a serious discussion.
Their conversation was described as intense, with both leaders focused on the issues at hand.
What Zelensky said to Trump at the Pope’s funeral after their Oval Office clash
A lip reader named Nicola Hickling analyzed their conversation. She noted that Zelensky said to Trump, “I would like you to do that but not this way.”
Trump responded, “It’s a very interesting strategy, you have reassurance.” This exchange highlights the diplomatic tone of their meeting.
Later, French President Emmanuel Macron joined the conversation. He warmly embraced Zelensky and placed a hand on his shoulder. However, Hickling noted that there seemed to be tension between Trump and Macron.
Trump reportedly told Macron, “Slow down, let me bring…” before their discussion was cut off from view.
During this interaction, Trump appeared to warn Macron, stating, “You are not in the right here, I need you to do me a favor, you should not be here.”
Zelensky nodded in agreement during this moment, indicating his support for Trump’s stance.
First meeting since Oval Office clash
This meeting marked the first time Trump and Zelensky met face-to-face since their previous clash in February.
At that time, Trump had told Zelensky, “You don’t have the cards,” a remark that had raised tensions between the two leaders. Recently, Trump has criticized Ukraine for the ongoing conflict.
Despite past disagreements, Zelensky described their latest meeting as very symbolic.
He expressed hope for results regarding their discussions on achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace. He communicated the importance of protecting the lives of the Ukrainian people.
After their conversation, Zelensky received applause from the crowd as he walked down the steps of the basilica.
He and Trump took their seats in the front row, with other world leaders sitting nearby. Their presence highlighted the significance of their discussions.
Trump questioned Putin’s willingness to pursue peace.
Following the meeting with Zelensky, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He questioned Putin’s willingness to end the war, expressing concerns about missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump stated that he feared Putin might be stalling negotiations.
Trump’s tougher stance against Putin raised hopes in Ukraine for a peace deal that would not require giving up territory.
He has suggested a controversial plan to recognize Russian control over parts of Ukraine. This proposal has sparked debates among international leaders.
On his Truth Social account, he said: ‘There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns over the last few days.
It 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?’ Too many people are dying!’
Zelensky and his wife received front-row seats.
During the funeral, the Vatican appeared to break its own protocol by seating Zelensky and his wife, Olena, in the front row.
This arrangement was notable given the usual seating rules for such events.
After the funeral, Zelensky held meetings with Macron and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.
He was also invited to the British ambassador’s residence in Rome, where he met with Sir Keir Starmer and his wife. These interactions emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict in Ukraine
