President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met early Saturday in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican to discuss peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

The last face-to-face meeting Trump had with Zelensky took place in February at the White House, and did not end well, with Trump saying Zelensky was not ready for peace talks.

Trump and Zelensky met minutes before the start of Pope Francis’ funeral, which took place at 10 a.m. Rome time and 4 a.m. Eastern. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, drawing leaders from around the world to Rome.

The meeting reportedly lasted about 15 minutes, and Trump and Zelensky will continue such talks. The meeting this go-around, according to both sides, went more smoothly than the last face-to-face.

Behind Scenes, Vatican City—President Trump sat down to meet privately with Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica… pic.twitter.com/zzC78AgbNh

— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) April 26, 2025

Zelensky said on X that they had a “good meeting” and thanked President Trump.

“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered,” Zelensky wrote. “Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you [President Trump].”

Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to… pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2025

A White House spokesman said the pair “met privately today and had a very productive discussion,” according to a CNN report.

Trump and Zelensky met in St. Peter’s Basilica for about 15 minutes (pictures per Team Zelensky) pic.twitter.com/PP7iwK6qzi

— Mathieu von Rohr (@mathieuvonrohr) April 26, 2025

On Friday, Trump said Russia and Ukraine were “very close” to a peace deal, and called for top leadership of the countries to “finish it off.”

Trump made the comments on Truth Social just as he landed in Rome for Saturday’s funeral. On the same day, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to speak with President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials and push for a peace deal.

“Just landed in Rome. A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine,” the president said. “They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off.’ Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!”

Nothing like some tough diplomacy in one of the most beautiful places in the world. pic.twitter.com/v23MhfVoBJ

— Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) April 26, 2025

Trump also said earlier on Friday that Zelensky needs to sign a mineral deal with the United States, saying that he was “at least three weeks late.”

“Ukraine, headed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has not signed the final papers on the very important Rare Earths Deal with the United States,” Trump posted online. “It is at least three weeks late. Hopefully, it will be signed IMMEDIATELY. Work on the overall Peace Deal between Russia and Ukraine is going smoothly. SUCCESS seems to be in the future!”

Leif Le Mahieu contributed to this report.

Related: Trump Lands In Rome For Pope Francis’ Funeral. Here’s What To Expect.

As fans roared at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 12, they weren’t just cheering on the fighters entering the Octagon. The thousands of people in attendance at UFC 314 were taking part in a sport that has gripped Americans — especially young men — through traditional courage and patriotism. 

The UFC has surged in popularity in recent years, not just as the premier MMA organization in all of combat sports, but as a cultural force to be reckoned with. Unbridled athleticism and the ferocious skills of its fighters are the initial draw, but that’s only the beginning. The UFC’s unapologetic embrace of courage and patriotism resonates deeply with a growing fanbase, especially as other sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, fell prey to woke BS.

The sport celebrates physical and mental toughness above all else. Fans are drawn to the unfiltered intensity. Promos showcase blood, sweat, and stoicism as warriors stare down their opponents. The UFC resonates with Americans who have grown tired of cultural leftism disparaging manliness and dismissing traditional male virtues to exhaustion. 

The UFC isn’t afraid of honoring the United States of America and its military veterans, first responders, and values either. Even in a sport that has representation from countries across the globe, respect for the United States is paramount. Fighters often wrap themselves in their nation’s colors, and post-fight interviews are peppered with shout-outs to the troops or expressions of national pride. This overt patriotism strikes a chord with fans who see the UFC as a bastion of unapologetic love for country. 

President Donald Trump adds to this allure. During UFC 314, the president walked into the packed arena to the chants of “USA!” as he appeared on the big screen. Trump’s appearances at UFC fights are not just celebrity cameos — they’re symbolic endorsements of the UFC’s ethos. For many fans, seeing Trump in the octagon reinforces the UFC as an arena where their values are celebrated, not challenged.

It’s no surprise that Jeremy’s Razors is proud to be the official razor partner of the UFC. Americans deserve to participate in a sport that makes them proud of their heritage and values, and they deserve a razor that will give them a quality shave without nicks, cuts, or criticisms of their hard-fought beliefs.