Trump Meets with Zelensky, Discusses Ukraine and Russia Relations

WASHINGTON — President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, expressing hope that Ukraine wouldn’t resort to using Tomahawk missiles to resolve its conflict with Russia. This conversation came in light of President Zelensky’s recent agreement to provide drones to the U.S. in return for weaponry.

During Zelensky’s third visit to the White House this year, Trump greeted him warmly but hesitated on promising further arms deliveries to Ukraine. He appeared less certain than he had a month earlier about Ukraine’s ability to regain its territory from before the war, although he acknowledged that it remained a “possible” outcome.

“I’m a mediating president. I’m mediating. It’s not an easy situation,” Trump noted during a 30-minute press session.

While speaking with reporters, Trump claimed he believed that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wanted to end the war.” However, he did concede that it was “possible” the Russian leader might be stalling for time.

“I’ve dealt with some of the best negotiators, and I’ve done pretty well,” Trump claimed. “I think he wants to get a deal done. I’ve gotten eight of them. I’m going to get the ninth.”

This meeting took place the day after Trump and Putin discussed their plans over the phone, agreeing to meet in Budapest soon, following a previous summit in Alaska.

Trump stated that he didn’t think Putin wanted Zelensky involved in their upcoming discussion.

Despite a recent cease-fire in Israel and Hamas, Trump expressed confidence that Putin was ready to conclude the ongoing invasion. Still, he pointed out that this belief came after Putin had been reluctant to accommodate a meeting request that included Zelensky.

“I believe President Putin wants to end the war, otherwise I wouldn’t be talking about this,” Trump remarked. “I had a long conversation with him yesterday. He wants to end the war. And I think President Zelensky also shares that desire. Now we just need to bring it to closure.”

Yet, Zelensky gently countered, stating, “I don’t think President Putin is actually ready, but I am confident that with your help, we can stop this war.”

Zelensky urged Trump to advocate for a ceasefire agreement with Putin, noting that since the summer summit, Trump had been rather quiet on the topic.

One of the main requests from Zelensky during this meeting was for powerful Tomahawk missiles, which would allow Ukraine to target areas deep within Russia effectively.

Trump expressed a desire to resolve the situation without resorting to Tomahawks, although he hinted that it might be a possibility. “We prefer not to need them,” he mentioned.

Simultaneously, Zelensky offered to exchange drone technology with American weapons, signaling cooperation between the two nations.

When asked about this exchange, Trump acknowledged ongoing discussions but remained noncommittal about whether Tomahawks would be included.

On the topic of drones, Trump remarked, “They make very good drones,” emphasizing the rise of drone warfare due to the ongoing conflict. He reflected on how much this aspect had evolved recently.

Interestingly, Trump indicated a shift in his stance, expressing doubt that Ukraine could reclaim all of its currently occupied territories. “You never know. War is very unpredictable, right? It’s just one of those things,” he said when pressed for his thoughts.

Previously, he had suggested that Zelensky might have to consider ceding some territory for a potential peace agreement.

The meeting was marked by an overall friendly atmosphere despite differing views on Putin and weapon provisions. Trump lightheartedly complimented Zelensky’s attire, noting how stylishly he dressed compared to his usual wartime clothing.

“Mr. Zelensky looks great in this jacket. I hope people notice!” Trump remarked, adding humor to the discussion.

When asked about a proposed tunnel connection between Russia and Alaska, Trump seemed intrigued, suggesting that it could be accomplished for under $8 billion. “That’s an interesting idea. We’ll have to think about that,” he said with interest.

In a light-hearted exchange, when Zelensky expressed discomfort with the tunnel idea, Trump chuckled in response, “I don’t think you’ll like it!”