Zelenskyy and Trump discussed air defence and Russian sanctions at Vatican meeting, says KyivTopic:World Politics58m ago58 minutes agoSat 3 May 2025 at 5:30pmDonald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy found time to talk while attending the Pope's funeral in Rome on Saturday. (Reuters via Ukrainian Presidential Press Service)In short:Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his discussion with Donald Trump at the Vatican was the "best" the pair have had.The Ukrainian president said he and Mr Trump talked about sanctions on Russia and air defence. His statement comes as Ukraine and Moscow clash over competing ceasefire proposals, with Mr Zelenskyy putting forward a 30-day pause so peace talks can begin. abc.net.au/news/volodymyr-zelenskyy-praises-deals-with-trump-administration/105249514Link copiedShareShare articleUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the talks he held with Donald Trump at the Vatican as the "best" the pair have had to date.The pair discussed sanctions on Russia and air defence, he said, when they met on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral in Rome, which was their first encounter since their ill-fated clash at the White House. It comes as Ukraine and Moscow argue over competing ceasefire proposals, with Mr Zelenskyy putting forward a 30-day pause proposal he discussed with Mr Trump.Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a three-day ceasefire to mark the end of World War II.US, Ukraine sign resources deal two months after Oval Office clashPhoto shows Scott Bessent and Yulia Svyrydenko sign papers at a desk in front of US and Ukrainian flags.The US and Ukraine sign an agreement to create a "reconstruction investment fund", two months after initial plans to sign a wartime deal were shelved when the countries' leaders spectacularly clashed in the Oval Office.While he did not offer specifics, Mr Zelenskyy said he raised the topic of sanctions with Mr Trump, and that his response had been “very strong”. He added of their discussion on air defence: "I told him about the number [of systems that we need] — he told me that they will work on it, [that] these things are not free." He added that US$30 billion ($46 billion) of military aid allocated in 2024 by the US Congress was due to be supplied in 2025 and 2026, US$15 billion ($23 billion) of it each year. It was not clear if his remark included aid already supplied in 2025.Mr Zelenskyy also said the critical minerals deal signed by the two countries on Wednesday was mutually beneficial, and that it would allow Ukraine to defend future US investments, as well as its own territory and people.The accord, heavily touted by Mr Trump, will give the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and unleash American investment in Ukraine's reconstruction.Russia, Ukraine at odds over ceasefireThe deal between Ukraine and the US paves the way for billions of dollars worth of military assistance. (Reuters: Ivan Antypenko)Mr Zelenskyy also weighed in on Russia's ceasefire proposal, saying he was ready as long as the truce would be 30 days in length.He said Ukraine, given continued war with Russia, could not guarantee the safety of any foreign dignitaries who came to Moscow for the traditional May 9 victory parade there."We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation," he said."They are responsible for your security, and therefore we will not give you any guarantees."In response to Zelenskyy's comments, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that he had "unequivocally threatened the world leaders who are planning to arrive in Moscow on May 9."Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, said nobody could guarantee Kyiv’s safety if Ukraine attacked Moscow celebrations on May 9."In the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one will guarantee that May 10 will come in Kyiv," he wrote on Telegram.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia expects Kyiv to take steps to de-escalate before Victory Day.Posted 58m ago58 minutes agoSat 3 May 2025 at 5:30pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesLABOR WINS ELECTIONJAnalysis by Jacob GreberPhoto shows Peter Dutton analysisAnthony Albanese claims victory in federal electionSurge in support for independents in the ACT as David Pocock re-electedTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A side by side image of a man and a womanSenior Liberal slams 'diabolical result' as Labor wins SA marginal seatsTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Two women hold up signs that say 'I'm backing Claire' at Labor celebration after the federal electionLiberal wipeout in northern Tasmania as seats flip to LaborTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Jess Teesdale stands alongside volunteers after winning seat of BassPopular nowWhat was the result in your seat? 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