No breakthrough achieved: Takeaways from Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
The encounter between the two presidents spanned over two hours and could pave the way for ending the war. The leaders tackled all critical issues: Ukrainian battlefield positions, long-range capabilities, air defense systems, and Tomahawk missiles.
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Trump and Zelenskyy / © Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at the White House on October 17—their fourth meeting. Among the topics discussed were long-range Tomahawk missiles, details of Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Hungary, and more. Officially, the visit aimed to address two key objectives: arms supplies and energy security.
TSN.ua has compiled the main statements from the presidents following their meeting.
Air defense and long-range Tomahawk missiles
«We discussed the Tomahawk issue. I’m open to it. We would like to have this weapon. And President Trump noted that we must understand that the U.S. needs it too. But no one has taken this topic off the table, ” said the Ukrainian President.
According to him, they agreed not to discuss it publicly. The U.S. views it as an escalation.
The leaders also addressed air defense systems. According to Zelenskyy, a positive signal is that «we will keep working on it.»
Trump and Zelenskyy — this is already their fourth meeting / © Getty Images
Trump’s meeting with Putin in Hungary
Before the talks with the Ukrainian President, Trump, speaking to journalists, said that his meeting with Putin in Hungary would likely be bilateral, but they would stay in touch with Zelenskyy.
«We talked about Budapest; President Trump shared details of his dialogue with the Russian side. All the signals from the Russians are not new to us, but we are counting on Trump, on his pressure on Putin, to stop this war, ” the Ukrainian President revealed.
Next steps will be discussed by security advisors. This involves ensuring Ukraine’s security and bolstering European support. «We are counting on U.S. pressure» on Russia, Zelenskyy concluded.
At the same time, Zelenskyy called the issue of territories the most sensitive.
«The Russians would indeed like to occupy all the territory. But to make any agreements on territories or other aspects before a ceasefire… I think the first step is crucial—a ceasefire, ” the Ukrainian President stressed.
«Under the circumstances we face now, with such a large country against us, we need to hold the line where we stand, ” Zelenskyy said, adding that afterward, „we can start the conversation.“
The meeting lasted over two hours / © Associated Press
Trump’s reaction
Trump confirmed they would discuss the Tomahawk issue but cautioned that it could lead to «serious escalation, ” noting that the U.S. also needs these missiles for its own defense—and that it’s better to end the war swiftly without them.
After leaving the White House, Donald Trump posted a message commenting on his meeting with Zelenskyy.
«The meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine was very interesting, and cordial, but I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing, and make a deal!» he wrote.
«Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!» the American President added.