In a key meeting at the White House, United States President Donald Trump has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to work out a peace agreement with Russia. This comes as Trump pushes harder for an end to the ongoing war, while putting a hold on Kyiv’s request for powerful Tomahawk missiles. The talks, held on Friday, 17 October 2025, show Trump’s changing views on the conflict and his focus on talks rather than more weapons. 
Zelensky came to Washington hoping for stronger support, but left without a clear yes on the missiles. Trump, fresh from a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the need to stop the fighting right away. This shift in tone has raised questions about future US help for Ukraine.
Details of the White House Meeting
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky lasted about two and a half hours and was described as tense at times. It ended suddenly after Trump made it clear that the US would not provide the long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles for now. These missiles, which can hit targets far inside Russia, have been a top ask from Ukraine to fight back against Russian attacks on its energy systems and cities.
Zelensky spoke to US broadcaster NBC after the talks. He said, “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, (he) didn’t say ‘yes’” to the Tomahawks. He added that Russia fears these weapons, and he stays hopeful that Trump might change his mind later. Zelensky also said he is realistic about getting them from Washington.
Trump, on the other hand, used social media to share his thoughts. While flying to his Florida home, he posted that the talks were “very interesting, and cordial, but I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL!” He suggested both sides should “stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
When he landed, Trump told reporters that Ukraine and Russia should end the fight along the current battle lines. “Go by the battle line wherever it is or else it gets too complicated,” he said. This idea means freezing the front lines, where Russia holds about a fifth of Ukrainian land after its full invasion in February 2022.
Zelensky agreed that both sides need to stop but pushed for a fair peace. He congratulated Trump on his recent Gaza peace deal and hoped for the same in Ukraine. “I hope that President Trump can manage it,” he said.
Push for Diplomacy Over Weapons
Trump’s main goal now seems to be ending the war through talks. He said he believes Putin wants to stop the fighting too. This comes after a long call with Putin on Thursday, 16 October 2025, where they agreed to meet soon in Budapest for a new summit.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get the war over with, without thinking about Tomahawks,” Trump told journalists during the meeting. He made it clear that giving Tomahawks could make things worse and hurt chances for peace. Sources say Trump sees diplomacy as the way forward, especially after the failed Alaska summit earlier.
Zelensky offered a swap: thousands of Ukrainian drones for the Tomahawks. But Trump did not agree. The two leaders talked about long-range weapons but chose not to say much publicly because the US does not want to escalate the conflict.
The Kremlin said on Friday that many questions still need answers before the Putin-Trump meeting, like who will be on each team. They dismissed worries about Putin flying over Europe. Hungary promised to help Putin enter the country safely, even with an International Criminal Court warrant against him for war crimes.
Trump’s Shifting Stance on Ukraine
Since starting his second term, Trump’s views on the Ukraine war have gone up and down. At first, he called Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and got along better with Putin. Tensions peaked in February 2025 during a heated Oval Office meeting, where Trump said Zelensky did not have the upper hand.
But lately, Trump has grown frustrated with Putin and warmed up to Zelensky. He has kept talking to Putin, saying they “get along.” Trump has changed his mind on sanctions against Russia after calls with Putin.
Just last month, Trump said he thought Ukraine could get back all its land. But after agreeing to meet Putin again, he changed his tune. Zelensky did not rule out Trump flipping again in the future.
Russia calls its invasion a “special military operation” to remove threats and stop NATO growth. On Friday, Russia’s defence ministry said it took three villages in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv areas. The war has wrecked much of the land Russia holds.
Broader Implications for the Conflict
Zelensky’s trip to Washington came after weeks of asking for Tomahawks. He hoped to use Trump’s upset with Putin after the Alaska talks failed. But with Trump’s eye on a new diplomatic win after Gaza, Zelensky left without the weapons.
Peace talks have stalled since the Alaska summit. Trump’s push for a quick deal along battle lines could mean Ukraine gives up land for now, something Kyiv has fought against.
Experts say this shows Trump’s style: big shifts and focus on deals. For Ukraine, it means less sure support from the US, its biggest backer. Russia might see this as a chance to hold what it has taken.
As the war drags on into its fourth year, with high costs in lives and money, pressure grows for a way out. Trump’s meeting with Putin in Budapest could be key, but many doubt a fast end without big compromises.
Zelensky stays hopeful, saying Trump has a “big chance” to end the war. For now, Ukraine keeps defending its land while hoping for more help. The world watches to see if Trump’s push leads to peace or more deadlock.
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