Zelensky Leaves Washington Without Missiles — but Talks of Peace Gain Ground
Washington D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest visit to Washington ended without the big win Kyiv had hoped for. Despite a warm reception, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to approve the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles, a decision that leaves Ukraine’s long-range strike ambitions on hold.
Trump Signals Restraint: “Let’s End the War Without Tomahawks”
Standing beside Zelensky at the White House, Trump told reporters that America wasn’t ready yet to send the high-powered Tomahawks, calling them “a serious weapon” that the U.S. still needs for its own defence readiness.
“Hopefully, they won’t be needed,” Trump said. “We’ll bring this war to an end without even thinking about Tomahawks.”
Trump added that supplying such missiles could escalate the conflict, but left the door open for future discussions, hinting that the idea isn’t off the table forever.
A Pause Meant to Send a Message
Just hours after the meeting, Trump posted on his social media platform urging Kyiv and Moscow to ‘stop where they are’, signaling a possible frontline freeze as a prelude to peace talks.
When asked about that suggestion, Zelensky surprised many with his measured response:
“We have to stop where we are. The president is right. The next step is to talk.”
It was one of the Ukrainian leader’s most pragmatic statements yet — a shift that suggests he’s ready to explore dialogue if it means saving more lives.
The Tomahawk Debate: Delay or Strategy?
The Tomahawk missile request has long been seen as a potential game-changer for Ukraine’s military — capable of hitting deep into Russian energy and logistics targets. But Trump’s hesitation appears strategic, coming just one day after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to U.S. officials, Trump and Putin agreed to meet soon in Budapest for possible peace discussions. When asked whether the missile issue prompted Putin’s outreach, Trump offered his trademark grin:
“Maybe the idea of it was enough. Sometimes the threat itself does the job.”
A Smile, a Swap, and a Hint of Diplomacy
At one point, Zelensky jokingly proposed a “drone-for-missile” swap, offering American companies a chance to collaborate on drone technology if Ukraine received Tomahawks in return. Trump reportedly smiled and nodded — a small moment that captured the delicate balance of their diplomacy.
Zelensky also commended Trump’s recent peace push in the Middle East, expressing hope that “the same energy for peace” could extend to Eastern Europe.
Europe Weighs In
After leaving Washington, Zelensky held calls with several European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described their talk as “constructive and forward-looking.”
Starmer reiterated Britain’s commitment:
“The United Kingdom stands with Ukraine — in defence, in recovery, and in peace.”
Putin’s Caution and the Road Ahead
Moscow, meanwhile, quickly warned that any move by Washington to arm Kyiv with Tomahawks would “seriously damage relations.”
Trump, however, appeared unconcerned, telling reporters that Putin “might be buying time” but that he wasn’t easily fooled.
“I’ve dealt with the toughest negotiators in the world and came out ahead,” Trump said. “I think he wants to make a deal.”
Still, uncertainty lingers over whether Zelensky will join the Budapest peace summit, with both sides treading carefully in a shifting diplomatic landscape.
In Ukraine, Hope Refuses to Die
Back home, amid shattered streets and flickering hopes, many Ukrainians still cling to the belief that diplomacy could finally bring an end to years of war.
One shopkeeper in Kyiv, busy repairing his missile-damaged storefront, told a local outlet:
“We’re tired, but we still believe truth will win. We don’t want to fight forever — we just want peace.”
His words echo the quiet resilience of millions — a people yearning not just for weapons or promises, but for the simple chance to live freely again.
