The president’s comments came after he said Crimea “will stay with Russia,” a position backed by the mayor of Kyiv, who conceded that his country may have to give up territory.

The White House said their discussion was “very productive” and that more details would be released later. The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican just before they took their seats for the outdoor funeral service. Zelenskyy said “good meeting” on social media after the funeral.

President Trump said Saturday that he doubts Russia’s Vladimir Putin wants to end his war in Ukraine. Only a day earlier, Trump said Ukraine and Russia were " very close to a deal."