President Trump made a brief visit to Europe this weekend, primarily to pay respects at the funeral of Pope Francis and to engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. His time in Rome was notably short—approximately 14 hours—during which he participated in the solemn ceremony in St. Peter’s Square. Trump’s quick exit after the funeral left little opportunity for diplomatic discourse concerning his contentious tariffs on the EU or his shifting stance towards Russia. His priority seemed to be returning to his golf resort in New Jersey promptly.
The interactions Trump had at the funeral also included a significant yet fleeting meeting with Zelensky. Their encounter, which lasted around 15 minutes in the sacred setting of St. Peter’s Basilica, was filled with symbolism, given their previously contentious relationship. This marked their first face-to-face meeting since a heated exchange in February, where Trump had criticized Zelensky’s alignment with Kyiv and indicated a preference for better relations with Moscow. Despite the briefness of their discussion, Zelensky characterized it as “productive,” focusing on crucial topics such as security guarantees aimed at preventing Russian resupplies during a cease-fire.
The urgency of their meeting aligns with a critical juncture in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, as Trump has been advocating for higher-level discussions between Ukraine and Russia to facilitate a resolution. Just as Zelensky arrived in Rome, reports suggested Russia had regained control over a strategic village, complicating peace negotiations. The U.S. had proposed a controversial cease-fire plan that implied recognition of Russian territorial claims, including Crimea, which Zelensky and his government vehemently oppose. However, Zelensky arrived with an alternative plan that involved reparations from Russia, leaving discussions about territorial integrity to be decided later.
Post-meeting, Trump did not shy away from attributing part of the ongoing conflict to his predecessors, especially targeting President Biden, whom he labeled as “Sleepy Joe,” and even making critical remarks about Putin’s recent military actions against Ukraine. He proposed new sanctions against Russia and sought to distance himself from the conflict, while also commending Zelensky for showing gratitude during their interaction. Zelensky echoed this sentiment, framing their meeting as historic if it leads to fruitful outcomes in high-stakes diplomacy.
During his stay, Trump also met other European leaders, including those from France and Italy, while facing scrutiny over his policies which have often painted European nations as laggards in defense spending. Despite the context of international diplomacy at the funeral, conversations did not materialize into substantive negotiations. Many leaders remained aloof of Trump’s earlier criticisms, hinting at the complexities of re-establishing alliances amid ongoing tensions over defense responsibilities and economic relations.
The juxtaposition of Trump’s visit during the Pope’s funeral encapsulated the intricate layers defining current geopolitics—a moment filled with ritual mourning amid pressing global issues. The funeral was emblematic of Pope Francis’s humanitarian stance, particularly in relation to refugees amid wars, which stands in stark contrast to some of Trump’s past policies. Even in light of this significant event, the outcomes of Trump’s brief European trip seem to perpetuate a fragile status quo, highlighting the intricate balancing act required in diplomacy involving nations at ideological odds, particularly in the complex landscape of Eastern Europe.
