🇺🇸 Tense Talks at the White House
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walked away from his latest meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump without securing the Tomahawk cruise missiles his government had hoped for.
Despite what both sides described as “positive and respectful discussions,” President Trump made it clear that the U.S. is not ready to provide long-range weapons that could escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“Hopefully, they won’t need it,” Trump said, suggesting that peace talks were “fairly close” to resuming.
💣 Trump Balances Diplomacy and Caution
While Trump didn’t reject the idea of future missile supplies, he stressed that the U.S. must prioritize its own defense.
He also described the Tomahawk system as “a big deal” and said sending such weapons now could “trigger unnecessary escalation” with Russia.
The talks followed Trump’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders agreed to meet soon in Hungary to discuss possible peace initiatives.
🪖 Zelensky’s Offer and Strategic Frustration
In a creative bid to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating power, Zelensky offered U.S.-made drones in exchange for Tomahawk missiles — a proposal that reportedly drew smiles from Trump but no formal commitment.
The Ukrainian leader also praised Trump’s earlier role in Middle East peace efforts, urging him to apply the same diplomatic pressure to bring Moscow to the table.
☮️ “Stop Where We Are” – The Ceasefire Proposal
After the meeting, Trump once again posted on social media, urging Kyiv and Moscow to “stop where they are” and begin serious dialogue.
Surprisingly, Zelensky appeared open to the suggestion, saying:
“We have to stop where we are. He is right. The next step is to speak.”
This marks a rare moment of alignment between the two leaders, even as Ukraine continues to push for stronger Western military backing.
🌍 Reactions Across Europe
Zelensky immediately briefed European leaders about the talks, emphasizing that his priority remains saving lives and securing Ukraine’s borders.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the conversation “productive,” reaffirming Britain’s commitment to humanitarian aid and defense support.
However, Russia’s President Putin has warned Washington that transferring Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv could severely strain U.S.–Russia relations.
🔍 The Bigger Picture: Peace or Pressure?
Trump’s latest approach suggests a shift toward diplomatic containment over direct military support, as he continues to balance relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
While some view this as strategic restraint, others fear it could leave Ukraine vulnerable in the short term.
Back in Kyiv, ordinary Ukrainians expressed a mix of hope and heartbreak.
One shop owner rebuilding his store after a missile strike told the BBC:
“We just want to live. We don’t want to give up — we just want them to leave us alone.”