President Donald Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine and finalize a cease-fire agreement, saying the two sides are closer than ever to ending the three-year conflict.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said, “I want him to stop shooting, sit down, and sign the deal,” referring to Putin.
Trump added that “most of the major points” have already been agreed upon and that he believes peace is within reach if Russia commits to the terms already outlined.
The remarks came shortly after Trump’s one-on-one meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, just before the funeral Mass for Pope Francis.
Photos shared widely on social media showed Trump and Zelenskyy engaged in a serious discussion before joining other leaders at the service.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy described the encounter as “very symbolic” and said it could become historic if their joint efforts result in a full and unconditional ceasefire.
“We discussed a lot one on one,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media. “Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.”
The White House confirmed the sitdown, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating that the two leaders had a “very productive discussion.” Trump later said he sensed Zelenskyy was “calmer” and more ready to strike a deal than in prior meetings, though he noted Ukraine’s continued need for defensive weapons.
However, Trump expressed frustration that Russia had continued its attacks even after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Putin in Moscow on April 25.
Calling the strikes “very disappointing,” Trump warned that if Putin keeps dragging out the process, harsher measures like banking restrictions or secondary sanctions could be considered. “Too many people are dying,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the coming week will be “very critical” in determining whether the United States continues its mediation efforts.
In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Rubio said, “We cannot continue to dedicate time and resources to this effort if it’s not going to come to fruition.” He also warned that the U.S. might have to take steps against parties obstructing peace efforts if progress stalls.
While Putin’s government described the recent Moscow talks as “constructive,” no firm commitments were made public. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently told CBS News that Russia remains ready to reach a deal but admitted that some specific points still need to be resolved.
Ukraine, for its part, reportedly agreed to a U.S.-proposed cease-fire plan 45 days ago and has since made direct proposals to Russia, including an offer to halt strikes on civilian targets. However, Moscow has rejected those offers so far.
Despite the setbacks, Trump insisted that peace was still possible but warned that time was running out. “Stop the bloodshed, now,” he urged. “We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the end to this cruel and senseless war.”