Trump to meet Zelensky ahead of Putin summit announcement
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US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid plans for a new summit with his Russian counterpart, as Ukraine continues to push for US-made Tomahawk missiles.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in the US ahead of a recently announced meeting between him and US President Donald Trump on October 16, 2025 (X/@ZelenskyyUa)
US President Donald Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, as the Ukrainian leader pushes for access to United States weapons, including long-range Tomahawk missiles, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The meeting comes just one day after Trump announced an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, aimed at negotiating a possible resolution to the war that began in 2022.
This marks Zelensky’s third visit to Washington since Trump returned to office. His previous meetings were marked by tension, including a widely criticized shouting match in February, followed by a more conciliatory encounter in August.
Ukraine had hoped the latest visit would apply greater pressure on Russia. However, Trump’s decision to reopen direct talks with Putin suggests a renewed focus on diplomacy, following his recent success in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.
"...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," Zelensky said on social media on Thursday. "Putin is certainly no braver than Hamas or any other terrorist. The language of strength and justice will inevitably work against Russia as well. We can already see that Moscow is rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks."
Already in Washington.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 16, 2025
Today, I am having meetings with representatives of defense companies – producers of powerful weapons that can definitely strengthen our protection. In particular, we will discuss additional supplies of air defense systems. I will also meet today with… pic.twitter.com/MRFmPARkq1
During his stay in the US, Zelensky met with heads of major weapons manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, as well as meeting with heads of the US government energy sector, to discuss potential projects.
Russia's chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrey Kartapolov, stated earlier in October that the Ukrainian procurement of US-made Tomahawks would trigger a forceful response.
Speaking with RIA Novosti, Kartapolov stated, "Our response will be harsh, ambiguous, calibrated, and asymmetrical. We will find ways to hurt those who cause us trouble," further adding that a limited number of Tomahawks would not affect the situation on the front.
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Trump confirms Budapest talks with Putin
Trump confirmed that he had a “very productive” phone call with Putin and that the two leaders would meet in Budapest within the next two weeks. He also expressed a desire to hold “separate but equal” meetings with both Putin and Zelensky.
The Kremlin described the Trump-Putin call as “extremely frank and trustful.” Russian officials said preparations for the Budapest summit were already underway.
Putin reportedly warned Trump that delivering Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not change the battlefield dynamics and would undermine peace prospects, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
Read more: Russia warns it can easily intercept US Tomahawk missiles in Ukraine
Uncertainty around US missile deliveries
Despite Zelensky’s lobbying efforts, Trump signaled hesitation over providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of over 1,600 kilometers.
“We need them too, so I don’t know what we can do about that,” Trump told reporters on Thursday, adding that Putin “didn’t like it” when the issue was raised during their call.
Zelensky, however, insisted that even the possibility of acquiring Tomahawks has already had an impact. “We can already see that Moscow is rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks,” he said.
Trump’s relationships with both Putin and Zelensky have seen dramatic shifts since his return to the White House in January. While initially maintaining close ties with Moscow, Trump has grown frustrated over Putin’s unwillingness to end the war. Conversely, Zelensky has gradually rebuilt his rapport with the US president after early diplomatic missteps.
Zelensky’s August visit, which followed criticism over his appearance and delivery in February, was marked by greater unity. This time, he arrived in Washington alongside a delegation of Western leaders in a display of coordinated support.
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