Zelensky, Trump Sign Minerals Deal at Vatican

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 15-minute meeting at Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican, described by Zelensky as their most productive to date. During the meeting, both leaders agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia would be a constructive first step toward peace, though Russia has rejected this proposal and instead suggested a three-day truce, which Zelensky found insufficient. Zelensky also secured assurances of continued U.S. support and discussed sanctions and air defense needs with Trump. A significant outcome was the signing of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources, framed as mutually beneficial. The meeting reportedly shifted Trump's perspective on the war, indicating possible new developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Meanwhile, hostilities have intensified with recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian targets.