U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday to discuss efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Image: Toledo Blade.
(The Post News)– U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, with an air of hope for peace in Ukraine despite stepping back from plans to arm Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Trump, buoyed by his recent success in brokering a Middle East ceasefire, was casting himself as a “mediator president” who wished to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. “It should be easy,” he told reporters, with the hope that diplomacy could still halt the war that has smoldered for more than three years.
The two presidents met for a working lunch in the White House dining room, a decidedly low-key one after their contentious February Oval Office battle that ended in shouting. The mood this time was courteous, though the differences on principal military issues persisted.
Trump Cools on Tomahawk Transfer to Ukraine
After weeks of speculation, Trump indicated Washington is not ready to transfer Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. “It’s not easy for us to give … You’re talking about massive numbers of very powerful weapons,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks.”
The potential delivery of the U.S.-made missiles, capable of striking deep into Russian territory, has been a major talking point in Kyiv. But Trump’s tone on Friday was cautious, citing concerns that such a move could escalate the conflict.
Zelenskyy, who had just stopped by in Washington after another round of Russian missile strikes against Ukraine, sought to frame the issue as a prospect for cooperation. He proposed that Ukraine could exchange “thousands of drones” for Tomahawks made by the United States, which he called a way to “strengthen American production.” Trump praised the drone production of Ukraine but did not pledge: “We make our own drones, but they make a very good drone,” he said.
The encounter came after Trump had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin for two hours, a chat that appeared to temper Trump’s earlier enthusiasm about arming Ukraine. “I did say, would you mind if I gave a couple of thousand Tomahawks to your opposition? He didn’t like that,” Trump joked. “The tomahawk is a vicious weapon.”
Since taking the presidency, Trump has alternated between fascination and irritation with Putin. While he has condemned Russia for continuing attacks on Ukraine, he remains optimistic that he can personally negotiate a peace agreement. “I think he wants to make a deal,” Trump said Friday. “I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out really well.”
After the White House meeting, Zelenskyy stated that he concurred with Trump that the two sides need to stop fighting on the current front lines. “We have to stop where we are. The president is right,” he stated. “Then we should talk.”
However, he admitted that Putin “is not ready” to stop the war and demanded “secure security guarantees” for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy then called on European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to inform them of the meeting. Starmer described the call as “productive,” pledging additional humanitarian and military aid to Kyiv.
Trump Takes Aim at Spain and Maduro
On another call, Trump criticized Spain for falling short of NATO’s new defense budget target of 5% of GDP, describing it as “very bad” and suggesting Madrid be “reprimanded.” He also appeared to lose his temper when asked about Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, snapping, “He doesn’t want to f— around with the U.S.,” ending the press portion of the meeting.
The president later revealed that US troops had staged their sixth assault on suspected drug-smuggling boats off the coast of Venezuela.
“This was not an innocent group of people,” Trump said. “I don’t know too many people who have submarines.” Friday’s meeting drew attention to Trump’s balancing act: maintaining pressure on Russia without escalating, managing allies who were not sure where he stood on NATO, and maintaining his image as a deal-maker.
Trump summarized the moment on Twitter in typically melodramatic language: “It is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL! Enough blood has been shed. Let both claim victory, and let history decide.” For Zelenskyy, who had travelled to Washington with high hopes for long-range missiles, the judgment was unequivocal: diplomacy continues, but Ukraine goes home empty-handed. “I am realistic,” he said softly when queried whether he believed the Tomahawks were arriving anytime soon.
About the Author
