Trump Hails 'Calm' Zelensky, Urges Putin: "Stop Firing, Sit Down, Sign the Deal"

Following a meeting with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy At the Vatican on Saturday, Trump seemed to moderate his stance toward the European leader, stating that he On Sunday, Zelensky appeared "more composed" and showed greater willingness to reach a peace agreement to conclude the war with Russia.

Trump described the meeting as "beautiful." Additionally, Zelensky requested more weaponry during the 15-minute call — which took place as both leaders were at the funeral of Pope Francis following his death last week.

On the contrary, Trump continued to voice his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a recent missile attack in Kyiv. Trump added that he couldn't be sure if Putin was truly committed to ending the war.

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"I believe the meeting went well. Over the coming days, we'll see how things develop. It’s likely we will gain significant insights. However, I expressed my disappointment about the missiles being launched toward Russia," Trump stated before leaving. New Jersey , where he dedicated a portion of his weekend to visiting his golf club.

During his meeting at St. Peter’s with Zelensky, Trump mentioned that they touched upon the topic of Crimea’s control. The U.S. was apparently set to recognize it as Russian territory under the suggested peace deal, but this idea has been dismissed by Zelensky.

On Sunday, Trump similarly refuted that his connection with Zelensky had ever been poor, even though the February meeting between the two heads of state at the Oval Office was notably unsuccessful.

"I perceive him as more composed. I believe he grasps the whole situation. Plus, I feel he is interested in striking a deal," Trump stated.

He mentioned that Putin has to show a readiness to bring an end to the conflict.

I want him to cease firing, sit down, and put his signature on an agreement," Trump stated. "I think we have the framework for a deal, and I'd like him to sign it so we can wrap this up and simply move forward with our lives.

The peace plan put forth by the Trump administration, which involves acknowledging Russia’s control over Crimea, has stunned Ukrainian authorities. They assert that they won’t agree to any official transfer of the peninsula, despite anticipating that they might have to yield the region to Moscow for now.

According to experts, relinquishing the territory unlawfully seized by Russia in 2014 is both politically and legally unfeasible. Such an action would necessitate amendments to Ukraine’s constitution along with a national referendum, potentially constituting acts of treason. Both elected officials and citizens remain strongly against this proposition.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” said Oleksandr Merezkho, a lawmaker with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party. “We will never recognize Crimea as part of Russia.”

In contrast to conceding territory, an official surrender would forever cede Crimea and forsake the possibility of Ukraine reclaiming it down the line.

Most Ukrainians recognize that relinquishing land is necessary for any ceasefire agreement since recapturing it through military means is not feasible. Surveys show an increasing number of people are coming to terms with this exchange.