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**President Zelenskyy’s Visit to Washington: Seeking U.S. Support and a Path to Peace**
On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit marked a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Zelenskyy making a strong case for the United States to provide advanced military support, specifically Tomahawk cruise missiles. The meeting also highlighted broader diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and underscored the complex dynamics between Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow.
**Making the Case for Tomahawk Missiles**
Zelenskyy’s primary objective during his Washington trip was to secure U.S. commitment for advanced weaponry. The Ukrainian leader specifically requested Tomahawk cruise missiles—a class of long-range, precision-guided weapons that could significantly bolster Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets far behind the front lines. By acquiring these missiles, Zelenskyy argued, Ukraine would gain a stronger bargaining position and potentially force Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
“President Trump has a big chance now to finish this war,” Zelenskyy stated during a working lunch in the White House’s Cabinet Room, attended by senior officials. He drew parallels to Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly his role in brokering a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Citing this as evidence of Trump’s ability to bring warring parties to an agreement, Zelenskyy expressed hope that similar momentum could be harnessed to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“That’s why I hope that he will do this, and we will also have such big success for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, reinforcing his belief in the possibility of a breakthrough.
**Trump’s Diplomatic Balancing Act**
President Trump, for his part, appeared receptive to Zelenskyy’s arguments but also cautious. The day before meeting Zelenskyy, Trump had held a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reportedly discussed the conflict and agreed to meet face-to-face in the coming weeks, signaling ongoing back-channel diplomacy.
At the White House, Trump reiterated his desire to see the fighting come to an end. “We’re in it to see that end and if we can end it quickly, and I think we can... We’ll see what happens. But the war in the Middle East was far more complicated. We got that one done. And I think we have a good chance,” Trump told reporters.
After his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump posted on his social media platform, describing their interaction as “very interesting, and cordial.” He emphasized his belief that “it is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL.” Trump suggested that both Russia and Ukraine should “stop where they are,” with each side able to claim victory and let history judge the outcome. “No more shooting, no more Death, no more vast and unsustainable sums of money spent,” he wrote.
**The Missile Debate: Strategy versus Escalation**
Prior to his conversation with Putin, Trump had seemed optimistic about the possibility of selling Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. He expressed frustration with the continued Russian offensive and the heavy toll it was taking on Ukraine. However, after his call with Putin, Trump’s stance became more measured. He began to voice concerns about the potential impact on U.S. military stockpiles and the risk of escalation.
“That’s a problem. We need Tomahawks and we need a lot of other things that we’ve been sending over the past four years to Ukraine,” Trump said during the joint press conference with Zelenskyy. He acknowledged that transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine would be considered an “escalation” in the conflict, and indicated that the issue would require careful discussion.
“We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks,” Trump told reporters. “Would much rather have the war be over, to be honest.”
Zelenskyy, for his part, proposed a potential exchange: if the U.S. agreed to provide Tomahawk missiles, Ukraine would in turn supply the U.S. with its combat-tested drones. When asked about this idea, Trump responded positively, indicating interest in such a deal.
**Putin’s Calculations and Ukraine’s Dilemma**
After the meeting, Zel