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By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
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President Donald Trump said on Friday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House that, after speaking with Russia's Vladimir Putin on a two-hour call on Thursday, he thinks Putin “wants to end the war."
Zelensky said that he also seeks peace but insists Putin must be “pressured” into a ceasefire. He added that Ukraine is ready to negotiate in any format and called for bilateral security guarantees from Trump, while reaffirming that NATO membership remains a key issue for Ukrainians under attack.
Why It Matters
The meeting comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, which is requesting long-range Tomahawk missiles to strike key targets inside Russia. Such weaponry could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising the stakes for both Washington and Moscow.
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Trump's conversations with both Putin and Zelensky—and his plan for a new summit with Putin in Budapest—underscore the complex intersection of diplomacy and military aid driving U.S. policy in Europe nearly three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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Trump Meeting with Zelensky: What We Know
During Friday's White House meeting, Trump told reporters that, after a two-hour phone call with Putin the previous day, he believed the Kremlin leader was open to negotiations. "I think he wants to end the war," Trump said.
Zelensky, encouraged by recent international peace efforts, stressed Ukraine's readiness for talks but called for increased pressure on Russia.
"Putin must be pressured into a ceasefire," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine needs "bilateral security guarantees" from the United States and reaffirming that NATO membership remains a top priority for Kyiv.
Trump described his hesitation about supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, citing U.S. defense needs: "We need Tomahawks for the United States of America, too. We have a lot of them, but we need them. We can't deplete for our country. They're very vital," Trump said.
He also floated a potential summit in Budapest, where he would meet separately with Zelensky and Putin, positioning himself as a mediator.
Zelensky’s visit aimed to secure deeper military support, including weapons capable of striking targets over 1,000 miles away. Trump has suggested the missiles could serve as leverage to bring Putin to the table, but his reluctance mirrors earlier delays in sanctions and aid to Kyiv.
The Kremlin has warned that supplying Tomahawks would mark a serious escalation. Analysts note Ukraine would require a substantial number of the $2.5 million missiles to shift battlefield dynamics, raising financial and logistical hurdles even if Trump approves the sale
Why Does Ukraine Want Tomahawk Missiles?
Ukraine is seeking Tomahawk missiles to extend its strike capability deep into Russian territory. With a range of about 1,550 miles, the missiles could allow Ukrainian forces to target energy infrastructure, military bases, and even installations near Moscow. Ukrainian officials argue that these weapons would increase pressure on Russia to negotiate an end to the war.
Zelensky has also discussed weapons deals directly with U.S. defense contractors, including Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to strengthen Ukraine’s air and missile defenses. Meanwhile, the Kremlin and Russian officials, such as former President Dmitri Medvedev, have warned that such a move would "end badly for everyone" and severely damage U.S.-Russian relations.
How Long Has the Russia-Ukraine War Been Going On?
The war between Russia and Ukraine began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite multiple attempts at diplomacy, the conflict has persisted through 2025, with Russia capturing and contesting territory in several Ukrainian regions. According to British defense intelligence, Russian forces seized about 250 square kilometers in September 2025, down from 465 square kilometers in August. This slowdown is attributed to the redeployment of Russian units.
What Happens Next
Trump is set to meet with Putin in Budapest in the coming weeks, following preliminary talks between U.S. and Russian advisers. The fate of Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk missiles remains uncertain, with Trump balancing diplomatic negotiations and military considerations. Officials anticipate that Trump will continue pursuing a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky. However, Kyiv has yet to be included in the proposed Budapest summit.
Update 10/17/25, 3:41 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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