Trump Hosts Zelensky Amid Plans for Meeting with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, seeking to secure US-made Tomahawk missiles while Trump simultaneously announces a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. This encounter marks Zelensky’s third visit to Washington since Trump’s return to office, reflecting the fluctuating dynamics of US support for Ukraine.

Zelensky’s visit comes on the heels of Trump’s recent announcement regarding his meeting with Putin, intended to discuss a new peace initiative aimed at resolving the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian leader aims to leverage this trip to increase pressure on Moscow, with a particular focus on obtaining long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory.

Prior to his meeting with Zelensky, Trump expressed optimism about his diplomatic efforts, citing a “very productive” call with Putin. He indicated the possibility of holding separate discussions with both leaders, although he provided limited details on the content of these meetings. Zelensky, arriving in Washington, emphasized the importance of Trump’s recent success in brokering a ceasefire deal in Gaza, hoping it would translate into a resolution for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In his remarks, Zelensky stated, “We expect that the momentum of curbing terror and war that succeeded in the Middle East will help to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.” He further contended that the prospect of acquiring Tomahawk missiles had spurred Moscow to engage in negotiations.

Despite these aspirations, Trump raised concerns about the feasibility of supplying Ukraine with the sought-after missiles. During a press briefing, he noted that the United States must maintain its own military readiness and questioned whether it could afford to deplete its supply of such advanced weaponry. “We need them too, so I don’t know what we can do about that,” Trump remarked.

The Kremlin responded to Trump’s comments, asserting that Putin had made it clear during their call that providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles would not alter the situation on the battlefield. Yuri Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin, stated that such a move would undermine prospects for a peaceful resolution.

Zelensky’s relationship with Trump has undergone significant changes since the former president took office. Following a contentious meeting in February 2023, where Zelensky faced criticism, he returned to Washington in August, this time with a more favorable reception alongside Western allies. The contrasting trajectories of Trump’s relationship with both leaders reflect the complexities of international diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

As the situation evolves, Zelensky’s visit is poised to be a critical moment in shaping the future of US-Ukraine relations and ongoing negotiations with Russia. With military and humanitarian implications at stake, the outcomes of these discussions will have a lasting impact on the region.