Trump, Zelensky Meet Amid Hopes for Peace, Tomahawk Hesitation Looms

In a high-stakes White House meeting on October 17, 2025, US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling a cautious approach to escalating military support for Ukraine. Trump expressed hope that peace negotiations with Russia could end the ongoing war without the need for supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, which Kyiv has been urgently requesting to counter Russia's three-and-a-half-year invasion.

The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room, followed a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Putin warned against arming Ukraine with Tomahawks, citing risks of further escalation. Trump, who has been vocal about his desire to broker peace, emphasized, "Hopefully they won't need it. Hopefully we'll be able to get the war over with without thinking about Tomahawks." He also raised concerns about depleting US missile stockpiles, underscoring a strategic hesitation to meet Ukraine's demands.

Zelensky, dressed in a formal black suit—a departure from his usual military fatigues—received a lighthearted compliment from Trump, who remarked, "I think he looks beautiful in this jacket, very stylish." This nod to Zelensky's attire marked a warmer tone compared to their tense February encounter, where Trump had criticized the Ukrainian leader's casual dress as disrespectful. The black jacket, designed by Kyiv-based Viktor Anisimov, has become a recurring symbol of Zelensky's diplomatic appearances, previously seen at events like the funeral of Pope Francis and the NATO summit in The Hague.

Also Read: Trump Cites Putin-Zelensky Personal Rivalry Behind Prolonged Russia-Ukraine War

The White House meeting coincided with Trump's announcement of a planned summit with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, a location endorsed by Hungarian President Viktor Orbán as "the only suitable place in Europe" for US-Russia talks. This follows an unsuccessful summit in Alaska in August, with diplomatic efforts to end the war stalling. The Kremlin noted "many questions" remain before the Budapest summit, including negotiation team compositions, but dismissed concerns about Putin's travel due to an International Criminal Court warrant, with Hungary guaranteeing safe passage.

Trump's push for peace comes on the heels of his recent success in brokering a Gaza ceasefire, fueling his ambition to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, his shifting stance on Ukraine has caused friction. Early in his term, Trump labeled Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and questioned Ukraine's leverage in negotiations. Despite warming relations, Trump's continued dialogue with Putin, whom he claims to "get along" with, has raised eyebrows in Kyiv. Zelensky, while acknowledging the "bad blood" with Putin, insisted that Ukraine's stance is not driven by personal animosity but by Russia's aggression, stating, "They attacked us, so they are an enemy for us."

The meeting also highlighted Trump's broader diplomatic and domestic actions. He announced the commutation of former US Rep. George Santos' seven-year prison sentence for fraud and identity theft, citing fairness and the need to allow Santos to "rebuild his life." Meanwhile, tensions with China appear to be easing, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to prepare for a Trump-Xi Jinping summit in South Korea. Trump also defended Hungary's reliance on Russian oil, citing logistical challenges, despite critics arguing Budapest's energy choices are politically motivated.

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, with Russia controlling roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory and recent advances in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, Zelensky pushed for stronger US support, including collaboration on military drone technology. Trump expressed openness to such partnerships, noting the prominence of drone warfare in the conflict. However, his call for an immediate ceasefire and for both sides to "stop where they are" was met with cautious agreement from Zelensky, who emphasized the need for negotiations but stopped short of endorsing a freeze in current territorial lines.

The meeting, which extended beyond its planned duration, underscored the complex dynamics between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin as the US navigates its role in the ongoing conflict. With global attention on the upcoming Budapest summit, the world watches to see if Trump's diplomatic gamble will yield peace or further complicate Ukraine's fight for survival.

Also Read: Zelensky Says Gaza Truce Could Pave Way for Ukraine Peace