Zelenskiy Pushes for Weapons, But Trump Focuses on Peace Talks

Washington, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the White House on Friday seeking advanced U.S. weaponry to sustain his country’s defense against Russia, but instead encountered an American president more focused on brokering peace than providing long-range missiles.

During the meeting, President Donald Trump stopped short of committing to supply Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine says are crucial to leveling the battlefield. While not ruling out the possibility entirely, Trump expressed caution, citing upcoming talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to take place in Hungary in the coming weeks.

The leaders held a private discussion, where they also reviewed a recent call between Trump and Putin. Trump, who has cast himself as a peacemaker, appeared optimistic about ending the war.

“I think President Zelenskiy wants it done, and I think President Putin wants it done. Now all they have to do is get along a little bit,” Trump told reporters.

Zelenskiy, however, offered a stark contrast, stating bluntly:

“We want this. Putin doesn’t want it.”

The Ukrainian president emphasized his military’s readiness, saying Ukraine has “thousands of drones” poised for action, but lacks the firepower of long-range missiles.

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“We don’t have Tomahawks, that’s why we need Tomahawks,” he said.

Trump responded, “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks,” and later added, “We want Tomahawks also. We don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”

A Diplomatic Balancing Act

Following the meeting, Zelenskiy described the talks as “productive” but acknowledged the U.S. is reluctant to escalate the conflict. He said he was being “realistic” about receiving the Tomahawks and emphasized the need for diplomatic pressure.

“President Trump is right, and we have to stop where we are. This is important — to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskiy said.

He confirmed ongoing communication with European allies and expressed hope that Trump would leverage his influence over Putin to bring about a ceasefire.

Putin-Trump Summit Looms

Uncertainty surrounds the timeline and agenda of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, with the Kremlin hinting it may be delayed beyond the two-week window Trump suggested. Their last meeting in Alaska ended without any concrete progress.

Trump’s conciliatory tone toward Putin has sparked concern in European capitals, where some fear a potential deal may favor Russian interests. A spokesperson for the European Union cautiously welcomed peace talks, provided they bring real solutions.

Asked whether he worried Putin might be stalling for time, Trump said:

“I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well, so it’s possible.”

Skepticism Among Analysts

Analysts noted the shift in tone from the White House. Just days earlier, the administration appeared poised to bolster Ukraine’s arsenal. Now, the focus has pivoted to diplomacy — a strategy some say plays into Moscow’s hands.

“The underlying reality is that there is no inclination to impose costs on Russia,” said Michael Carpenter, a former U.S. official and senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

War on the Ground Intensifies

The timing of this diplomatic pivot is notable, as the war continues to escalate. Despite some territorial gains this year, Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi declared Russia’s latest offensive a failure. However, President Vladimir Putin claimed Russian forces had seized nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in 2025 — roughly 1% of Ukraine’s land.

Both sides have increasingly targeted each other’s energy infrastructure, and Russian drones have strayed into NATO territory, raising the stakes further.

The Tomahawk Question

Military experts argue that supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles would significantly improve its ability to strike Russian logistics and supply chains, creating sustained pressure.

“We don’t expect Russia to crumble after one, two or three successful strikes,” said Mykola Bielieskov, a senior analyst at Come Back Alive, a Ukrainian NGO. “But it’s about pressure — constant pressure. It’s about disrupting the military-industrial complex.”

However, Moscow has warned that such a move would constitute a serious escalation, and Trump’s remarks suggest the administration is not eager to cross that line.

A Personal Touch

Despite the tension, Trump expressed personal admiration for Zelenskiy, even complimenting his outfit:

“He looks beautiful in his jacket,” Trump said, referencing earlier criticism of Zelenskiy’s casual dress during previous visits.

As the war drags into its fourth year, Ukraine continues to push for critical military aid, while the U.S. weighs the risks of escalation against the hope of diplomacy. Whether the coming Trump-Putin summit moves the needle toward peace—or further complicates the West’s stance—remains to be seen.