10:03President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky upon his arrival for discussions at the White House in Washington, October 17, 2025.Tom Brenner/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump convened with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, as Zelenskyy visited Washington to advocate for acquiring American Tomahawk guided missiles and further defense resources.
"President Trump now possesses a significant opportunity to conclude this conflict," Zelenskyy stated during a working luncheon in the Cabinet Room alongside officials.
The Ukrainian leader underscored Trump's facilitation of a delicate truce arrangement between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, expressing his belief that similar drive could conclude Russia's three-and-a-half year encroachment.
"That’s the reason I maintain hope that he will accomplish this, and Ukraine will similarly experience such great achievements," Zelenskyy remarked.
President Donald Trump welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as he arrives for a meeting at the White House in Washington, October 17, 2025.Tom Brenner/AFP via Getty Images
Trump, who engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday in a lengthy phone conversation where they consented to schedule an in-person meeting in the approaching weeks, conveyed his desire for an end to the hostilities.
"We are committed to securing that resolution, and if we can expedite it, I believe we have the capability. … We will observe the developments. However, the conflict in the Middle East was substantially more intricate. We successfully resolved that. And I am optimistic about our prospects," Trump commented.
In a statement published on his social media platform following his discussions with Zelenskyy, Trump characterized the interaction as "highly engaging, and pleasant," but suggested "it is the moment to cease the carnage, and strike a BARGAIN."
Addressing Russia and Ukraine, Trump posited, "They ought to cease hostilities in their current positions. Allow each side to proclaim Triumph, let Posterity judge! Cease all firing, end the fatalities, eliminate the considerable and untenable monetary expenditure."
In the days preceding the encounter, Trump seemed confident regarding the potential sale of long-range missiles to Ukraine, expressing his dissatisfaction with Moscow’s continued aggression. Nonetheless, after his discussion with Putin, Trump appeared more cautious and started articulating concerns about depleting the U.S. stockpile.
"That is an obstacle. We require Tomahawks and an extensive array of other resources that we've been supplying to Ukraine over the past four years," Trump conveyed as he and Zelenskyy addressed inquiries from journalists on Friday.
President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, October 17, 2025.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Trump recognized that the sale of these coveted armaments to Kyiv would constitute an "escalation," but indicated that he and Zelenskyy would deliberate on the matter.
"We would significantly prefer they have no need for Tomahawks," Trump stated. "We would greatly prefer an end to the conflict, to be frank."
Zelenskyy proposed a potential exchange, where Ukraine would provide the U.S. with its drones in return for the U.S. providing Tomahawks to Ukraine. When questioned on whether he would consider such an arrangement, Trump responded affirmatively.
In conversations with journalists post-meeting, Zelenskyy communicated to ABC News’ Mary Bruce his belief that Putin is apprehensive about Ukraine obtaining the long-range missiles, but acknowledged the possibility that he may ultimately not receive them, stating, "I am grounded in reality."
Zelenskyy also informed reporters that he concurs with Trump’s social media message urging both factions to "stop where they are."
Zelenskyy commented, "The president is accurate, and cessation is essential at our current positions." He further stated, "Both parties must halt actions, although, in reality, it concerns Putin fundamentally since … we did not initiate this war."
Zelenskyy has portrayed Tomahawks as a probable game-changer in the situation, due to their capacity to allow Ukraine to attack far within Russia. Zelenskyy professed that this likelihood could pressure Putin into negotiations.
"We aspire to peace. Putin has no such aspiration. Hence, we require leverage against him," he expressed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet at the White House, October 17, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Trump elaborated on his forthcoming assembly with Putin in Budapest, explaining that the location was selected due to their shared affable association with Hungary’s Viktor Orban.
When inquired whether Zelenskyy would be present, Trump mentioned considerable "animosity" between Zelenskyy and Putin.
"I would suggest that it will most likely be a dual meeting. It will occur as a double meeting, although we will maintain communication with President Zelenskyy," Trump stated.
Trump last encountered Putin in Alaska during August, a high-profile summit featuring a military aerial display, though it yielded no substantial advancements.
On Friday, Trump was asked whether he feared Putin was attempting to secure added time through a subsequent meeting.
"Indeed, that is my concern, but throughout my existence, I’ve been manipulated by the most skilled individuals, and I have invariably emerged exceptionally well," Trump stated. "Thus, it is conceivable. Yes, some delay. That’s acceptable. However, I am fairly adept at managing these affairs. I believe he is interested in achieving a consensus."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
