Trump Prioritizes Peace Talks Over Supplying Missiles to Ukraine

According to Rokna, during a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump appeared more focused on brokering a peace deal than on supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles. While he did not rule out providing the long-range weapons Zelenskyy requested, Trump emphasized that the United States may need them for future conflicts and expressed a preference that Ukraine would not require them.

After more than two hours of discussion, Trump urged both Ukraine and Russia to stop fighting immediately, even if it required Ukraine to concede some territory. He stressed that both sides should halt at the current battle lines and return home to their families, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine has thousands of drones ready for offensive operations but lacks Tomahawk missiles, which he said were necessary for their campaign. Trump responded that preserving U.S. weapon reserves is a priority and warned against giving away strategic assets needed for national defense.

Trump’s cautious stance on supplying missiles followed a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly warned that providing Tomahawks could harm U.S.-Russia relations. This exchange fits a pattern in which Trump often adjusts his position on arms support for Ukraine following communications with Putin or European allies.

In addition, Trump discussed plans for a bilateral meeting with Putin in Hungary aimed at ending the war. Zelenskyy’s attendance is undecided, and logistical challenges for Putin’s travel remain due to EU sanctions, airspace restrictions, and his status as a wanted figure by the International Criminal Court, although Hungarian officials have indicated he would be allowed entry. Trump also suggested that future discussions between Zelenskyy and Putin might take place indirectly rather than face-to-face, contrasting with the Ukrainian president’s longstanding preference for direct talks.

The meeting and subsequent discussions reflect Trump’s emphasis on achieving a peace settlement rather than providing Ukraine with enhanced military capabilities. While Ukrainian officials remain realistic about U.S. support for long-range missiles, they hope Trump can exert pressure on Putin to halt the conflict. Observers note that Trump’s approach continues to be shaped by his interactions with Putin, highlighting the unpredictable dynamics of U.S.-Russia-Ukraine diplomacy.