U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the United States is not currently planning to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Axios. According to sources cited by the publication, Zelensky had hoped to leave Washington with assurances of receiving the missiles, but following a lengthy phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the tone of the meeting shifted significantly.
Sources described the meeting as complex and emotionally charged. The U.S. president emphasized that his main priority at this time is diplomacy, and he believes that sending Tomahawk missiles could undermine those efforts. One source noted that the discussions “were not easy,” while another added that “they were difficult.” Although no one raised their voice, Trump was firm, made several strong statements, and some moments of the conversation were marked by emotional reactions.
The meeting unexpectedly ended after two and a half hours. Trump commented, “I think we are done. Let’s see what happens next week,” referring to upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Budapest. The American president also briefed Zelensky on his conversation with Putin and presented a proposal for diplomatic resolution, which includes freezing the front line — a scenario considered largely unacceptable for Ukraine.
After the meeting, Zelensky held a teleconference with European leaders, some of whom were surprised by Trump’s apparent shift in position, Axios reports. Shortly thereafter, European officials began issuing coordinated statements supporting Ukraine, signaling that the discussions with the U.S. president were unsuccessful.
On October 16, it was reported that Trump had preliminarily arranged a meeting with Putin in Budapest. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that Washington hopes for Zelensky’s participation in the summit. At the same time, before meeting with the Ukrainian leader, Trump indicated that Zelensky would not be attending Budapest, but the U.S. would remain in contact.
After his phone call with Putin, Trump told reporters that the United States also needs Tomahawk missiles: “We have many, but we need them ourselves. We cannot deplete their stock for other countries. They are very powerful, precise, and effective. But they are also needed for the U.S. I don’t know what can be done about it,” the president said.
Earlier we wrote that Trump Partially Approves Delivery of Long-Range Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine.
