Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump met at the White House on October 17 but parted without a clear U.S. commitment to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The lack of a firm commitment is significant as Tomahawks could enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, potentially undermining key energy infrastructure. Zelensky has long argued that denying Kyiv these capabilities weakens its leverage in the war.
Before reporters, Trump acknowledged that long-range missiles had been discussed. He remarked, “hopefully they won’t need it, hopefully we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks,” adding that supplying them “could mean a further escalation.” Asked whether Kyiv might yet receive them, he said the U.S. “needed them for its own defence.”
Zelensky confirmed the topic was on the table but declined to elaborate, telling reporters that the United States “does not want an escalation.” He later described himself as “realistic” about the outcome.
Despite his hesitant public stance, Trump did not explicitly rule out providing the missiles. Although he described the weaponry as “a big deal,” he said that caution and American interests would temper any decision.
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Zelensky made the offer to trade Ukrainian drones for Tomahawks in an effort to move talks forward, and Trump nodded. The Ukrainian leader also urged Trump to use the same vigor to put an end to Russia’s war, praising his role in mediating peace in the Middle East. On X, he wrote, “the main priority now is to protect as many lives as possible, guarantee security for Ukraine, and strengthen all of us in Europe.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the call as “productive” and reaffirmed Britain’s continued military and humanitarian support.
Shortly after meeting Zelensky, Trump posted on social media that Ukraine and Russia should “stop where they are” and allow both sides to “claim victory,” urging an immediate halt to hostilities. He later told journalists he believed Putin might already be buying time ahead of a high-stakes summit.
Indeed, Trump had just held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and agreed to meet him soon in Budapest. Kremlin sources say the summit could happen within a fortnight.
When asked if Zelensky would join trilateral talks, Trump acknowledged tension between the two but said the three leaders would “have to get together” in some format.
With Tomahawk cruise missiles’ approximately 1,550-mile (2,500-kilometer) range, Ukraine would be able to launch an attack deep within Russian territory. According to U.S. assessments, they may pose a hazard to power plants, pipelines, and other vital infrastructure. Providing such weaponry runs the risk of escalating the conflict, provoking Russian reprisals, and entangling the United States more. Russia has already issued a warning that such a move would undermine diplomatic efforts and harm bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Trump and Putin are preparing for a summit potentially to be held in Budapest, with Ukraine and the war at the center of the agenda.
