Trump & Zelensky at the Vatican

Hunched forward, with mirrored posture, Trump and Zelensky huddle deep in conversation. It is one of the most politically significant photographs of the year, not least because it captures an impromptu tête-à-tête during Pope Francis’s funeral in May 2025. Only weeks before, their encounter in the Oval Office was a PR bloodbath, with neither side coming out well. From the European point of view, Trump was a playground bully, Vance a Pitbull (without lipstick) and Zelensky, defiantly crossing his arms to fend off their body blows, their punchbag. To MAGA supporters, Zelensky was disrespectful and ungrateful, their outrage fanned by the fact that he would not wear a suit and tie for his audience with the Leader of the Free World. In Rome, Trump sports a traditional navy-blue business suit and shiny patent American ‘dress’ shoes, whereas Zelensky’s sartorial choice verges on a modern take on Churchill’s Siren Suit paired with trainers. It reminds us he is a leader at war, practically engaged just like Winston. This image of the older man and his younger counterpart sent waves of surprise and hope through the international community at the time. Trump is literally leaning towards Zelensky; both are perched on surprisingly ordinary metal conference chairs, despite the papal-red upholstery. Their mutual focus emphasized by their isolated position, in a doorway, in the echo of religious marble, without interpreters, handlers or microphones. Maybe there will now be greater understanding between the two, if not a breakthrough in the war because of the intimacy of this encounter. Maybe Trump will prove to be as avuncular as he looks, but Zelensky has yet to transform this moment into more than a photo opportunity.