The brief meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky in Rome has provided a glimmer of hope for Ukrainians amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s remarks questioning Putin’s intentions and suggesting increased sanctions marked a potential shift in the U.S. stance towards a more balanced peace plan, deviating from previous proposals favoring Moscow. Ukrainians were encouraged by photos showing Trump and Zelensky in a seemingly equal dialogue, contrasting previous tense interactions. However, skepticism remains about Trump’s consistency and the U.S. pressure on Ukraine to concede territory for peace. Despite the optimism from the meeting, the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain with ongoing hostilities and geopolitical complexities.

The meeting between Trump and Zelensky took place on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, where Trump questioned Putin's commitment to ending the war, suggesting more sanctions might be necessary.

The U.S. has been urging Ukraine to accept a peace plan that would require concessions such as dropping NATO aspirations and recognizing Crimea as Russian, but Ukraine has rejected this as unfair.

Ukrainian hopes are bolstered by Trump's recent critical remarks toward Putin and the productive discussion held during their short meeting, contrasting with previous strained interactions.

While the meeting in Rome provided some optimism, Ukraine remains wary of the Trump administration's fluctuating stance and its previous solicitous approach to Putin.

Ukraine insists on a peace deal that includes strong security guarantees, but the U.S. and other Western allies are pressuring Kyiv to make territorial concessions to achieve peace.

The political dynamics are further complicated by recent military developments, with Russia reclaiming the Kursk region and ongoing disputes over territorial control.

Despite positive signals, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the potential for a lasting peace remain uncertain, with Trump leaving Rome to return to his golf resort, cutting short further discussions.