Zelensky to Press Trump for Missiles During Washington Talks

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, October 17th, 2025

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rki.news
WASHINGTON, October 17, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, as Kyiv pushes Washington to approve the supply of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory.
The high-stakes meeting comes a day after Trump held what he described as a “very productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders agreed to hold face-to-face talks in Hungary within the next two weeks. Trump said he would brief Zelensky on his conversation with Putin, adding that “great progress was made” toward a possible peace framework.
Arriving in Washington for his third visit this year, Zelensky said Moscow was “rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks.” He argued that advanced missile systems are essential for Ukraine to counter ongoing Russian air and missile attacks that continue to devastate civilian infrastructure.
Trump told reporters he is still weighing the decision, saying, “We can’t deplete our own stockpile – we need them too.” Russian officials have repeatedly warned that any U.S. move to arm Ukraine with Tomahawks would be seen as a “major escalation” that could derail diplomatic efforts.
The White House meeting follows one of Russia’s largest aerial assaults this year, which targeted multiple Ukrainian regions. Kyiv’s ambassador to Washington, Olga Stefanishyna, said the attacks “expose Moscow’s real attitude toward peace,” urging stronger Western sanctions and additional air-defense and long-range capabilities for Ukraine.
Both leaders are expected to discuss military aid, sanctions policy, and the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Budapest.