Zelenskiy and Trump Discuss Air Defense, Sanctions, and 30-Day Ceasefire in Landmark Vatican Meeting

May 3, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that his recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in the Vatican was their most productive to date, highlighting discussions on air defense systems, sanctions against Russia, and a potential 30-day ceasefire.

The meeting, which occurred on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral, marked a significant diplomatic moment amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to a statement from Zelenskiy’s office, both leaders agreed that initiating a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow would be the appropriate first step toward broader peace negotiations.

Zelenskiy also brought up the issue of sanctions on Russia, saying Trump gave a “very strong” response, although he did not disclose specific details of their conversation.

The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of the new U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals agreement, signed on Wednesday. He said the deal not only ensures Ukraine’s ability to protect U.S. investments but also helps secure its territory and people amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The agreement, strongly supported by Trump, grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and encourages American involvement in the country’s postwar reconstruction.

On the security front, Zelenskiy said that bolstering air defense capabilities remains a top priority. He noted that Trump expressed willingness to help address Ukraine’s air defense needs, although he acknowledged that such systems are expensive. “I told him the number we need—he said they will work on it,” Zelenskiy reported.

The timing of the minerals deal and the Vatican meeting comes as the U.S. grows increasingly frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress in peace negotiations. While Kyiv has called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russian President Vladimir Putin has only offered a three-day pause in fighting around May 9, the day Russia commemorates its World War II victory.

In response to Moscow’s limited offer, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine would agree to a ceasefire only if it lasted 30 days, rejecting a short-term truce as insufficient. He also warned foreign leaders considering attending Russia’s May 9 parade that Ukraine cannot guarantee their safety on Russian soil. “We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he said.