In a significant diplomatic engagement, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky convened in Rome to discuss ongoing efforts towards a peace deal for Ukraine. This meeting, held shortly after the late Pope Francis’s funeral, was described as an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to “maintain momentum” in their negotiations. According to statements from Downing Street, the leaders highlighted “positive progress” made recently regarding a negotiated resolution to the ongoing war.
Their meeting commenced in the context of a larger gathering, where Sir Keir was accompanied by the Prince of Wales for the Pope’s funeral at St. Peter’s Square. Prior to the solemn proceedings, high-profile discussions took place among Sir Keir, US President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron within the majestic confines of St. Peter’s Basilica. The informal huddle between these leaders suggests a coordinated effort to tackle the geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The talks between Starmer and Zelensky, understood to last around 15 minutes, unfolded in the serene gardens of the Ambassador’s residence post-funeral. Issues of strategic importance were at the forefront of their dialogue, as both leaders addressed the need to collaborate closely with international partners to advance towards the next phases of peace planning. Following their initial meeting, delegations representing both countries engaged in an additional meeting lasting around 20 minutes, underscoring a dedicated approach to formalize ongoing talks.
Zelensky later remarked on the significance of his meeting with Trump, describing it as “very symbolic” and expressing the hope that it could lead to historic developments concerning the war in Ukraine. This trilateral discourse indicates a shared commitment among these global leaders to explore varied avenues toward conflict resolution. The image of the US and Ukrainian presidents engaged in discussions amid the grand setting of St. Peter’s Basilica serves as a powerful backdrop illustrating international engagement in resolving the crisis.
In reference to the Pope’s funeral, both Sir Keir and the Prince of Wales paid their respects alongside a multitude of world leaders, including heads of state and government. Attending such a significant international event on behalf of King Charles, Prince William participated in a moment of silence, displaying the tradition of monarchic representation at key historical events. His presence marked a notable occasion as he fulfilled royal duties during this poignant moment of mourning for the Catholic Church.
The mutual respect demonstrated at the funeral service includes personal interactions among dignitaries, with Prince William exchanging words with leaders like Trump and Macron. Such engagements signify not only the current geopolitics but also the prominence of international solidarity regarding the ongoing crisis impacting Ukraine.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88, was honored on Easter Monday following health complications from double pneumonia, and it is estimated that approximately 250,000 people attended the somber funeral proceedings. The collective presence of international leaders underscores the global implications of the events unfolding in Ukraine, further compounded by the pressing need for dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives in the wake of conflict.
The developments from this meeting in Rome between Starmer and Zelensky, alongside the discussions within the higher echelons of international leadership, indicate a continued dedication to pursuing viable solutions to the conflict. While the outcomes of such engagements remain to be seen, there is a palpable sense of urgency and hope that effective measures can be instituted to bring about a lasting peace in Ukraine.