Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House to advocate for Tomahawk cruise missiles, following a phone call where Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to hold a summit in Budapest. This high-stakes diplomatic engagement comes as Trump weighs a decision that could significantly impact the Ukraine war, now in its fourth year.
Zelensky arrived in Washington on Thursday for his third visit since January, emphasizing the urgency of securing advanced weaponry to counter Russian aggression. The Tomahawk missiles, with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, including Moscow, using accurate and destructive munitions. However, Trump has expressed hesitation, noting that the US cannot deplete its stockpile of these costly weapons, estimated at $1.3 million each and available in limited numbers.
The backdrop is a ‘very productive’ phone call between Trump and Putin on Thursday, during which they agreed to face-to-face talks in Hungary within two weeks. Trump announced that high-level advisors from both countries will meet next week, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to prepare for the summit. This marks the first communication between the leaders since their August meeting in Alaska, which failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough.
Zelensky responded by stating that Moscow is ‘rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks,’ highlighting the strategic pressure. The Kremlin has issued strong warnings, with Putin describing the potential transfer as a ‘qualitatively new stage of escalation’ that could draw the US deeper into the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reinforced this, noting delivery would cross a red line.
Trump’s approach to Ukraine has shifted notably since his return to office. After a public rift with Zelensky in February, relations have improved, with Trump recently expressing support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. His diplomatic efforts, including setting deadlines for Russia and threatening sanctions, have been met with skepticism due to past reversals after conversations with Putin. European allies are closely monitoring, concerned about potential US capitulation to Moscow.
Expert analysis suggests practical challenges: the US has limited ground-based launchers for Tomahawks, and missiles are primarily for naval use, which Ukraine lacks. Rob Lee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute noted limited stockpiles, while the Institute for the Study of War identified numerous Russian targets within range. The symbolic impact of supplying such weapons could outweigh battlefield effects, influencing Putin’s calculus.
As the White House meeting unfolds, outcomes will shape immediate military aid and the broader peace process. The planned Budapest summit underscores the interplay of force and negotiation in seeking an end to the war, with implications for regional security and international relations amid ongoing Russian attacks.