A photo of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at St. Peter's Basilica symbolizes hope amidst the Ukraine war, contrasting with a previous humiliating encounter in the Oval Office. However, this moment is seen as an illusion, as it was brief and surrounded by presidential teams. Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff seek a quick peace, using a ping-pong strategy between Ukraine and Russia, applying pressure on both sides without offering substantial leverage.