Trump Warns of More Sanctions Against Russia After Meeting With Zelensky

President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin after a photo circulated online showing Trump meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome ahead of Pope Francis’ funeral.

"There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

The statement followed a private, 15-minute conversation between Trump and Zelensky, which the Ukrainian leader described as “potentially historic.”

"Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you (President Trump)," Zelensky posted on X, alongside a viral photo of their meeting.

Earlier in the week, Trump had criticized Zelensky for complicating negotiations with Russia.

"Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He went on to say, "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? The area also houses, for many years before ‘the Obama handover,’ major Russian submarine bases."

Trump further argued that "It’s inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy’s that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about!"

"The situation for Ukraine is dire — He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country. I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever," Trump added.

He concluded by criticizing Zelensky’s approach: "The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!"

Trump also posted another message on Thursday, responding to reported Russian attacks on Kyiv: "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!"

The Rome encounter marked the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Zelensky since their heated confrontation at the White House in early March.

During that Oval Office meeting, Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance reportedly discussed a potential cease-fire deal with Russia and a separate agreement concerning rare earth minerals between Ukraine and the United States.

However, tensions flared when Zelensky pushed back during the discussions, urging for increased American support. Days later, Trump harshly criticized Zelensky for asserting that peace with Russia remained "very far away," warning that the U.S. would not "put up with it for much longer."

"This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky, and America will not put up with it for much longer!" Trump said at the time. "It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelensky, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S. – Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?"