Credited from: INDIATIMES
U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, focusing on efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump described the meeting as productive, despite his hesitation to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, stating, “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks,” expressing a desire to mediate peace rather than escalate military support, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.
Zelenskyy made a direct appeal for Tomahawk missiles during the meeting, highlighting their necessity for Ukraine's military efforts against Russian aggression. He stated, “We don’t have Tomahawks — that’s why we need Tomahawks,” but did not receive a definitive commitment from Trump regarding their provision. Trump’s apprehensions about supplying such powerful military assets align with previous warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding escalation, as reported by Channel News Asia and The Hill.
Following the meeting, disappointment among the Ukrainian public grew as many felt the outcome lacked sufficient support for their military needs. Military servicemen voiced concerns that without U.S. assistance, the struggle against ongoing Russian attacks would continue to take a toll on lives and infrastructure. “Every day civilians and soldiers die,” remarked a Ukrainian serviceman, illustrating the grim reality of the conflict, as detailed by Los Angeles Times.
The dynamics shifted further after Trump's call with Putin, who warned against the transfer of Tomahawks, leading analysts to speculate this represents a stalling tactic to delay U.S. arms support for Ukraine. Trump's conciliatory tone raised suspicions in Europe regarding the potential for an unfavorable deal for Moscow, complicating the situation for Zelenskyy’s government at a critical juncture in the conflict, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.