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Zelenskyy’s visit also comes just a day after Trump announced a surprise summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin
US President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outside the West Wing of the White House on October 17. (AFP photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday arrived at the White House, where he was welcomed by US President Donald Trump. He is expected to press Trump for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which would allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia.
The US President greeted Zelenskyy outside the West Wing, shaking hands and briefly raising a fist. Neither leader answered shouted questions from the press.
The meeting came just a day after Trump announced a surprise summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, casting doubt on whether the US will supply Ukraine with the powerful cruise missiles.
Ukraine has been asking Washington for Tomahawk missiles for weeks, arguing they would help pressure Russia to end its invasion, which has lasted over three and a half years. But just a day before Zelenskyy’s visit, Putin had warned Trump that sending such weapons could escalate the conflict and harm peace talks.
Trump has expressed hesitation, saying the US cannot afford to “deplete” its own missile supplies. Additionally, the new summit between Trump and Putin is planned for Budapest and will be their first since an unsuccessful meeting in Alaska in August. Since then, talks to end the war have stalled.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy hoped this visit would increase pressure on Putin, especially by securing Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of more than 1,600 kilometres. However, Trump seems focused on pursuing a diplomatic solution following his recent Gaza ceasefire deal.
This is Zelenskyy’s third trip to Washington since Trump returned to office, during which the US president’s stance on Ukraine has shifted multiple times.
(With inputs from agencies)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
October 17, 2025, 11:13 PM IST
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