Trump signals tougher stance on Russia after Vatican meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump was prepared to impose sanctions on Russia following their meeting at the Vatican last month.

Zelensky emphasised that the conversation with Trump during Pope Francis's funeral in April was positive and reaffirmed U.S. policy on strong sanctions against Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire.

Zelensky noted that Trump expressed support for sanctions if Russia does not cease its military actions, as was reported by "The Washington Post".

Both sides described the meeting on 26 April as positive. Since then, Trump has spoken by phone with both Zelensky and Putin, but Russia has not agreed to a ceasefire.

As Trump’s frustration grows, he is opening up the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia. The U.S. President stated that he would "absolutely" consider sanctions against Russia, expressing dissatisfaction with Putin's continued attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Putin in a post on Truth Social, stating that the Russian president is "playing with fire".

Germany and Ukraine will sign a letter of intent regarding the acquisition of long-range weapon systems produced by Ukraine. The information was announced in Berlin after a meeting between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The German Chancellor announced that there would be no limitations on the range for these weapons, meaning that Ukraine will be able to defend itself against military targets beyond its own territory.

There will be no range limitation here. Ukraine can also defend itself against military targets outside its own national territory. This is the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between our countries - explained the Chancellor.