In a recent meeting at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for Tomahawk missiles from the United States was met with skepticism by President Donald Trump. Trump advised Zelensky to “make a deal” with Russia, suggesting that Ukraine should concede territory to end the conflict. This stance contrasts with Trump’s comments last month, where he expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to retake all its occupied territory.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky focused on Ukraine’s military needs, with Zelensky pressing for long-range Tomahawk missiles to target deep within Russia. However, Trump appeared hesitant, stating that he’d “rather have them not need Tomahawks.” The US President also expressed concerns about depleting America’s arsenal, saying, “We want Tomahawks also. We don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”
Trump’s comments have raised questions about the US’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader, meanwhile, emphasized the difficulties of securing a ceasefire, stating that Russia is not interested in negotiating. Zelensky’s comments suggest that Ukraine is preparing for a prolonged conflict and is seeking significant military aid to counter Russian aggression.
The meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia. Trump is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, and it’s unclear how the US will proceed with supporting Ukraine in the meantime. Trump’s approach has been seen as an attempt to broker a peace deal, but critics argue that this might come at Ukraine’s expense.
