In a highly anticipated meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented starkly different views on how to end the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. While Trump expressed confidence that the conflict could be resolved without the use of U.S. Tomahawk missiles, Zelensky countered that peace would only be possible if Russian President Vladimir Putin truly wanted it.
Trump greeted Zelensky warmly, declaring, “We can finish this war without Tomahawks,” adding that both Putin and Zelensky “want peace, but their mutual hatred is preventing progress.” The U.S. President also claimed he had ended multiple wars during his presidency but complained, “Even if I end the ninth war, they won’t give me the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Zelensky, however, painted a different picture. “We want peace, but Putin does not. A ceasefire must come first, and then real guarantees of security,” he said. He suggested that NATO remains Ukraine’s best option but would also accept a trilateral guarantee involving the U.S.
The Ukrainian leader reportedly proposed exchanging U.S. Tomahawk missiles for Ukrainian-made drones — a suggestion Trump admitted was “under discussion.” Meanwhile, behind closed doors, both delegations continued negotiations without media presence.
During the talks, Zelensky showed Trump military maps highlighting potential targets deep inside Russia that could pressure Moscow into ending the war. Sources close to the Ukrainian delegation confirmed the maps identified “key pressure points” in Russia’s defense infrastructure.
Despite public optimism, reports from BBC and CNN described the meeting as light on concrete outcomes. Trump’s cabinet members, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appeared amused by some of Trump’s comments, though they offered few specifics on future military support.
The U.S. President also took questions on unrelated global issues, including Spain’s defense spending, a proposed Russia–U.S. tunnel involving Elon Musk, and American operations against drug traffickers.
Earlier in the day, Finland announced a new €50 million aid package to Ukraine, while Zelensky held meetings with U.S. defense contractors, including manufacturers of Patriot and Tomahawk systems.
Despite differing tones, both Trump and Zelensky agreed that dialogue must continue. “We’re beginning to understand each other,” said Zelensky, noting Trump’s detailed grasp of the battlefield situation.
