Description: Ukrainian and US presidents Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly had a very productive conversation on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome. Sources from both sides reported that the presidents have overcome some key differences and discussed in detail steps that were necessary to stop the war in Ukraine. Positive signals also came from the meeting between Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before, where willingness for direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives was reported. Russia, in the interim, has increased aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets as citizens from Pavlohgrad suffered 12 casualties while additional 87 people were severely injured. The US – led peace initiative enters a sensitive phase where both Ukraine and Russia refuse to give in to any kind of concessions, while the US is constantly threatening to abandon the negotiations.
Impact: The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy although perceived as symbolic represents the first direct contact between the presidents since their initial scandalous encounter in the Oval Office. Shuttle diplomacy efforts have been continuously ramped up by the US with Special envoy Witkoff meeting for the second time with Russian President Vladimir Putin as probable compromises were attempted to be secured by both Russia and Ukraine. After the meeting in the Vatican, Trump has once again upended his stance on the negotiations by severely criticizing Putin this time, for attempting to stall the war as the Russian military gained battle momentum. Currently, the negotiations enter a considerably sensitive phase, as both sides have stated some level of preparedness to engage in direct negotiations conditioned by the US abandonment of the peace process. No concrete results would be achieved in the short to mid term as neither side expressed willingness to conscribe towards any kind of diplomatic compromise.