**Trump Signals Hesitation on Selling Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine Amid White House Talks**
*Washington, D.C.* — President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, October 17, 2025, for talks that signaled a shift in U.S. policy regarding the potential sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
At the start of their meeting, Zelenskyy proposed a deal in which Ukraine would provide the United States with its advanced drones in exchange for Tomahawk cruise missiles—weaponry Ukrainian officials say is crucial to compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to seriously engage in peace negotiations.
However, President Trump expressed hesitation about selling the missiles, citing national security concerns. “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace,” Trump said. He added, “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over to be honest.”
Following the meeting, Trump called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. In a Truth Social post, he stated, “Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Zelenskyy echoed the call for a ceasefire and negotiations but carefully refrained from fully embracing an immediate end to the war. “The president is right we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
The two leaders, along with Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and other aides, held a discussion that extended over two hours during a lunch in the White House Cabinet Room—far longer than initially planned.
Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on securing last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, noting that Trump now has significant momentum to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “President Trump now has a big chance to finish this war,” Zelenskyy said.
Recent days saw a fluctuating stance from Trump regarding the provision of Tomahawk missiles. While he initially appeared open to supplying Ukraine with the missiles, following his Thursday phone call with Putin, Trump started downplaying the likelihood of their delivery.
During the call, Putin warned that supplying Kyiv with Tomahawks “won’t change the situation on the battlefield, but would cause substantial damage to the relationship between our countries,” according to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser.
The Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers), would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory targeting military sites, energy infrastructure, and other key assets. Ukrainian officials see the missiles as a critical lever to pressure Putin toward peace talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented that discussions about the Tomahawks have already had a positive effect by pushing Russia toward negotiations. “The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentum for peace,” Sybiha said on the social media platform X.
This latest White House meeting marks the fourth face-to-face encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since the former Republican president returned to office in January, and their second meeting in less than a month.
Following his call with Putin, Trump announced plans to meet the Russian president soon in Budapest, Hungary, to further discuss ways to end the war. The two leaders also agreed that their senior aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, would convene next week at an unspecified location.
When asked whether Zelenskyy would participate in the proposed Hungary talks, Trump responded that it was “to be determined,” suggesting that a separate, “double meeting” involving both leaders might be the most feasible path to productive negotiations.
“These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump said.
Prior to his recent calls, Trump showed growing frustration with Putin. Last month, he shifted his stance by stating he believes Ukraine could reclaim all its territory lost to Russia—a significant change from his earlier position urging Kyiv to make concessions for peace.
Since launching his 2024 campaign, Trump has promised to end the war swiftly. His peace initiative appeared to gain traction following summits with Putin in Alaska and subsequent meetings with Zelenskyy and European allies in Washington last August. At the time, Trump was confident he was paving the way for direct talks between the two leaders.
However, Putin has yet to express willingness to meet Zelenskyy, and Russia has intensified its military assault on Ukraine in recent weeks.
When asked if he felt Putin may be stringing him along, Trump acknowledged the possibility but expressed confidence in handling the Russian leader. “I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out pretty well,” he said. “I think I’m pretty good at this stuff.”
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**About the Photographs**
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles listen before a lunch in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington. —AP Photo/Alex Brandon
President Donald Trump greets Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday in Washington. —AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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