Zelensky Leaves Washington Without Tomahawk Deal as Trump Urges De-Escalation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left Washington seemingly empty-handed after a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, as hopes of securing Tomahawk cruise missiles for Ukraine were put on hold. The White House talks, described as cordial but cautious, reflected Trump’s reluctance to escalate tensions with Russia while signaling possible continued discussions on future support.
Following the bilateral meeting, Trump posted on social media calling on Kyiv and Moscow to “stop where they are” and push toward ending the war, underscoring his focus on de-escalation rather than deeper military engagement.
Tomahawk Missiles at the Heart of the Debate
During their private discussions, Zelensky reportedly pressed for the U.S. to approve the transfer of Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles, arguing that such weapons could enable Ukraine to strike Russian oil and energy infrastructure, a move he believes would cripple President Vladimir Putin’s war economy.
However, Trump’s tone during the joint press appearance remained non-committal. While he didn’t rule out the possibility, he emphasized caution.
“Hopefully they won’t need it. Hopefully we’ll get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks,” Trump said, adding, “We’re fairly close to that.”
The U.S. president described the Tomahawk system as “a big deal,” noting that Washington also needs to maintain its own defense capabilities. He warned that sending such missiles to Ukraine could lead to “further escalation” but said that discussions about the idea would continue.
The Putin Factor and the Hungary Summit
The timing of the meeting added a complex layer to the diplomatic picture. Just a day before meeting Zelensky, Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two leaders reportedly agreed to meet soon in Hungary.
Asked by the BBC whether the potential transfer of Tomahawks had motivated Putin’s sudden willingness to meet, Trump responded:
“The threat of that [the missiles] is good, but the threat of that is always there.”
Zelensky, in turn, suggested Ukraine could offer drones in exchange for the advanced missiles—a comment that drew a smile and a nod from Trump.
A Diplomatic Balancing Act
While Zelensky’s trip to Washington was focused on boosting military support, the tone of the discussions shifted toward diplomacy. The Ukrainian leader even appeared open to Trump’s idea of freezing the war along current front lines.
“We have to stop where we are—he is right, the president is right,” Zelensky told reporters after the meeting. “The next step after that would be to speak.”
His statement hinted at a more pragmatic tone, potentially signaling Kyiv’s willingness to consider negotiations if they include guarantees of long-term security.
Later, Zelensky shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had updated European leaders on the White House meeting, stressing that Ukraine’s “main priority now is to protect as many lives as possible, guarantee security for Ukraine, and strengthen all of us in Europe.”
European Allies Pledge Continued Support
Following Zelensky’s outreach, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the calls with European counterparts as “productive,” assuring that Britain would continue sending humanitarian aid and military assistance to Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s cautious tone, European leaders have maintained their stance on supporting Ukraine until Russia withdraws its forces.
Putin Warns Against Tomahawk Transfer
Meanwhile, Putin reacted sharply to reports that Washington was even considering supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine. He warned that such a move would “seriously strain” already fragile U.S.-Russia relations, raising fears of direct confrontation between the two nuclear powers.
Still, Trump described his conversation with Putin as “very productive,” revealing that U.S. and Russian teams will meet next week to discuss possible next steps.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on Peace and Pressure
When asked if he believed Putin was simply “playing for time” by agreeing to talks, Trump admitted he was wary but confident in his ability to read the Russian leader.
“I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well,” he said. “It’s possible—maybe he’s buying time—but I think I’m good at this stuff. I think he wants to make a deal.”
Pressed on whether Zelensky would be part of the Budapest summit, Trump acknowledged that there was “bad blood” between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents.
“We want to make it comfortable for everybody,” he added. “We’ll be involved in threes, but it may be separated. The three of us have to get together.”
Emotional Reactions Back Home in Ukraine
While diplomatic maneuvering continues abroad, the human toll of the war remains starkly visible in Ukraine. In a Kyiv suburb, the BBC spoke to Volodymyr, a local shop owner repairing his store destroyed by a Russian missile strike last month.
When asked about Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin, Volodymyr tried to respond but paused, holding back tears. After composing himself, he said quietly:
“Truth and democracy will win, and all the terrorism and evil will disappear. We just want to live—we don’t want to give up—we just want them to leave us alone.”
His words reflect the deep exhaustion and resilience shared by millions of Ukrainians, as world leaders continue their delicate dance between diplomacy and deterrence.
The Road Ahead
The outcome of Trump’s potential Budapest summit with Putin could shape the next phase of the conflict. While Trump has called for restraint and dialogue, Zelensky continues to push for stronger defenses and accountability for Russia’s aggression.
For now, the Tomahawk deal remains uncertain, caught between geopolitical caution and Kyiv’s urgent pleas for deterrence. As both Washington and Moscow weigh their next moves, Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty remains as critical—and as fragile—as ever.