International/ Zelensky leaves Washington empty-Handed on key missile request
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky departed Washington without securing a commitment for long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles following a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
While Zelensky described the talks as “cordial,” the key takeaway was Trump’s non-committal stance on the weapon system.
The Ukrainian leader has argued that Tomahawks are crucial for striking Russian oil facilities and crippling its war economy.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks,” President Trump stated, describing the missiles as a “big deal” that could cause escalation.
He indicated that while discussions would continue, the US also needed the weapons for its own defense.
The meeting occurred just a day after Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they agreed to future talks in Hungary.
This timing underscored the complex diplomatic landscape Zelensky navigates.
When asked if he was optimistic about eventually receiving the missiles, a realistic Zelensky replied, “I am realistic.”
He did, however, concede to Trump’s suggestion of stopping the war along the current front lines as a potential first step, stating, “He is right… then we have to speak.”
The Ukrainian leader faces a challenging path forward, balancing urgent military needs against a US administration prioritizing direct diplomacy with Moscow, even as Trump acknowledged the risk that Putin might be “playing for time.”
