WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict with Russia. During the meeting, Trump indicated that he was not ready to supply Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, despite Ukraine’s urgent request.
Zelenskyy proposed that the U.S. provide Tomahawk missiles in exchange for Ukraine’s advanced drones, which have impressed American officials. Trump acknowledged the quality of Ukraine’s drones but expressed caution about sending long-range missiles, citing the need to maintain U.S. stockpiles. “I have an obligation to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a nation,” he said.
The discussion follows a phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the U.S. leader emphasized that sending missiles could strain relations with Russia, though it would not change the battlefield situation. Ukrainian officials believe the talks and the potential missile transfer have encouraged Moscow to negotiate.
Zelenskyy is also expected to explore energy agreements with the U.S., including the storage of American liquefied natural gas in Ukraine, as part of broader economic cooperation. This meeting marks the fourth encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since the Republican returned to office in January, with ongoing efforts aimed at negotiating a resolution to the conflict.
