
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his White House meeting with Donald Trump as “realistic” regarding the chances of receiving US Tomahawk missiles. The meeting came a day after Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and agreed to meet him again this year, in Budapest.
Zelensky said he and Trump discussed Tomahawks, which can reach targets up to 1,600 kilometres, but no public announcement would be made. A Ukrainian source revealed Zelensky had presented detailed maps of potential targets inside Russia during his talks with Trump.
“I think that Russia is afraid of Tomahawks, really afraid, because it is a strong weapon,” Zelensky told reporters, referring to Ukrainian drones. Asked about optimism over US Tomahawk support, Zelensky said, “I’m realistic,” highlighting the delicate balance between aid and escalation.
“We decided not to speak about it because nobody wants escalation, the United States included,” he added, emphasising caution in messaging. After the meeting, Zelensky joined a call with European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
European officials had previously accompanied Zelensky to the White House during his August visit following Trump’s Alaska meeting with Putin. Zelensky also noted past criticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February over Ukraine’s alleged ingratitude for US weapons aid.
When asked about needing European backing after Trump’s renewed engagement with Putin, Zelensky insisted, “I didn’t call them to have the support. I know we have this support.” He added he remains open to a future three-way meeting with Trump and Putin, without confirming any Budapest participation.