WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, seeking approval for the transfer of long-range Tomahawk missiles to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. The meeting came just one day after Trump announced he would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, a move that has cast uncertainty over Kyiv’s request.
Ukraine’s Appeal for Weapons
Zelenskiy’s visit was framed around Ukraine’s urgent demand for Tomahawk cruise missiles, which would allow its forces to strike deeper into Russian-held territory. U.S. officials confirmed the request is under review, though Trump has not committed to supplying the weapons. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump said: “We have a lot of them, but we need them too. We’ll see.” GV Wire EL PAÍS English
Trump–Putin Talks in Budapest
On Thursday, Trump revealed he had held a “productive” phone call with Putin, during which both leaders agreed to meet in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Trump described the talks as an opportunity to bring the “inglorious war” to a close, though European allies and Ukrainian officials expressed concern that the summit could delay or complicate U.S. military support for Kyiv EL PAÍS English Sky News.
A Balancing Act
The White House lunch with Zelenskiy was deliberately low-key, held in a cabinet meeting room rather than the Oval Office, underscoring the delicate balance Trump faces between supporting Ukraine and pursuing direct negotiations with Moscow Yahoo News UK. Analysts note that Putin’s outreach may be aimed at stalling U.S. weapons transfers, while Trump’s emphasis on diplomacy has raised doubts in Kyiv and across Europe about Washington’s long-term strategy GV Wire.
European Concerns
The European Union cautiously welcomed the prospect of a Trump–Putin summit if it could advance peace, but officials stressed that any agreement must not come at the expense of Ukraine’s sovereignty France 24. For Zelenskiy, the timing of Trump’s announcement has complicated his mission, with Ukrainian officials warning that delays in securing advanced weapons could leave the country vulnerable as winter approaches.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump Picture from The Presidential Office of Ukraine
Sources: Reuters GV Wire; El País EL PAÍS English; Yahoo News Yahoo News UK; Sky News Sky News; France24 France 24.
