WASHINGTON: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as “positive” on Sunday, even though he failed to secure a commitment for the supply of Tomahawk long-range missiles to aid Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
Zelensky met Trump at the White House on Friday, following earlier indications that Washington could consider providing the missiles. However, no agreement was reached. Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin just hours before his meeting with Zelensky.
“In my opinion, he does not want an escalation with the Russians until he meets with them,” Zelensky told reporters after the meeting.
According to reports, the discussions between the two leaders were tense, with Trump allegedly urging Zelensky to consider Putin’s demands for Ukraine to cede the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Despite the lack of a weapons deal, Zelensky noted a “positive” development — Trump’s public endorsement of a freeze along the current front lines, a move the Ukrainian leader said could help stabilize the conflict.
“We share President Trump’s positive outlook if it leads to the end of the war,” Zelensky said.
“After many rounds of discussion over more than two hours with him and his team, his message, in my view, is positive — that we stand where we stand on the line of contact, provided all sides understand what is meant.”
Zelensky’s remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic uncertainty, as Ukraine continues to seek stronger Western backing in its fight against Russia.