In an extraordinary turn of events, former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reunited at Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, nearly two months after their explosive Oval Office clash. The two leaders sat down for their first face-to-face meeting since the heated exchange on April 26, where they publicly sparred over Ukraine’s military strategy and U.S. support, casting a shadow on international relations.

The atmosphere at St. Peter’s Basilica was starkly different as Trump and Zelensky engaged in a reported 15-minute conversation described by the White House as “very productive.” Zelensky’s social media echoed this sentiment, labeling the meeting as “very symbolic” with the potential to reshape the dialogue surrounding Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.

This reunion comes on the heels of a tumultuous debate in the Oval Office, where tensions flared over diplomatic approaches to the conflict. The clash intensified when Zelensky challenged U.S. officials on their understanding of the war’s realities, insisting that past diplomatic efforts had faltered due to Russian non-cooperation. Trump’s criticism of Zelensky’s gratitude towards U.S. support prompted the Ukrainian leader to push back fiercely, declaring that his country was in a dire situation and needed more than just platitudes.

The stakes have never been higher, as Zelensky now expresses hope for a full ceasefire, amidst warnings that the conflict could escalate into a broader world crisis. The meeting in the Vatican, alongside key European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscores the urgent need for collaboration and resolution in a time of global uncertainty. As the world watches closely, the dialogue between Trump and Zelensky could prove pivotal in determining the future of Ukraine and international stability.