Trump-Zelensky meeting: Washington prioritizes reconciliation, the fate of Tomahawk missiles remains uncertain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on October 17th hoping to receive long-range weapons, but instead met with President Donald Trump who appeared more focused on brokering a peace deal with Russia than on upgrading Kyiv's arsenal.
According to news agencies, in the summit watched by the world, President Zelensky sought a commitment from the US to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles, a weapon that could significantly alter the battlefield situation. However, the outcome of the meeting revealed a clear gap between Kyiv's desires and Washington's priorities.
President Trump hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of supplying Tomahawk missiles, but he's been rather cautious as he heads towards a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in just a few weeks.
"I think President Zelensky wants to end the war, and I think President Putin wants to too. Now all they need to do is get along a little," Trump told reporters, clearly demonstrating his desired mediating role.
In a press conference held shortly afterward at Lafayette Park, outside the White House, President Zelensky delivered a realistic message. When asked if he was "optimistic" about receiving Tomahawk missiles, Zelensky replied that he was "realistic."
He emphasized that the most important thing for Ukraine right now is a strong security guarantee from the United States if a ceasefire agreement is signed.
"We need strong security guarantees," Zelensky said. According to the Ukrainian leader, a ceasefire must be the first step before other sensitive issues such as territory can be discussed.
Despite being the main topic, the transfer of Tomahawk missiles appears to have made little significant progress. Zelensky stated that both sides agreed not to comment extensively on the issue publicly because "the U.S. does not want to escalate tensions."
However, he also asserted that Russia is genuinely concerned about this weapon. "I think Russia is afraid of the Tomahawk. Really afraid because it's a powerful weapon... They understand what we can do," he said.
For his part, President Trump also acknowledged that the Tomahawk is a "very dangerous weapon" and that supplying them could lead to a "major escalation." He also emphasized that the U.S. does not want to give away powerful weapons that it needs to defend itself.
Following his meeting with Trump, Zelensky held telephone conversations with European leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and NATO leader Mark Rutte, demonstrating Kyiv's efforts to coordinate diplomacy with its strategic allies.
The meeting at the White House ended amicably, but left a big question about whether Ukraine would get the weapons it needed, as President Trump was actively preparing for his upcoming meeting with President Putin in Hungary.
