US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and called for peace over escalation. During the meeting, Trump said giving Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be premature. He hoped that the war could end without relying on these powerful weapons. Trump expressed optimism after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he believed Putin may soon agree to a peaceful solution.
However, President Zelensky disagreed and warned that Putin is not yet ready for peace. Ukraine has asked for Tomahawk missiles to push back against Russian attacks. The war has continued for over three years with heavy losses. Zelensky insisted that more pressure on Russia is necessary. He believes advanced weapons could help Ukraine stop the aggression.
Read more: Kremlin welcomes Trump’s focus on Ukraine peace efforts
The two leaders’ meeting came just a day after Putin warned Trump against sending missiles to Ukraine. Putin told Trump by phone that such a move would increase tensions and damage peace talks. Trump said the U.S. must also manage its missile reserves carefully. Tomahawks have a range of over 1,600 kilometers and are a key part of the U.S. arsenal. He added that a peaceful resolution was still possible.
Meanwhile, plans are underway for a summit between Trump and Putin next month in Budapest. This meeting follows their last summit in Alaska, which ended without progress. Trump appears eager to use diplomacy again after recently helping broker a Gaza ceasefire. He believes strong personal ties with Putin could help solve the Ukraine crisis. However, several key details of the planned talks remain unsettled.
Read more: Trump Meets Zelensky, Pushes to End War Now
Despite past tensions, Trump and Zelensky are now working to find common ground on the war. Earlier this year, the two clashed during a live broadcast. But now, both leaders are focusing on peaceful solutions. Trump has kept open communication with Putin through regular calls. He says both sides understand each other well. Yet, the path to peace remains uncertain, and the next few weeks will be critical.