Zelensky Pushes Trump for Tomahawk Missiles as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Friday with one urgent mission: convince President Donald Trump to approve long-range Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine—a move he believes could finally force Russia to the negotiating table.

But Trump, fresh off brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, signaled hesitation. Instead of arming Kyiv, he’s betting on diplomacy—planning a separate summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to push for a broader peace deal.

Zelensky’s Weapon Request: A Strategic Gambit

Zelensky’s ask isn’t just symbolic. Tomahawk missiles, with a range exceeding 1,000 miles, would allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory—targeting command centers, logistics hubs, and airfields that currently operate with impunity.

“I think that Russia is afraid about Tomahawks. Really afraid,” Zelensky told reporters after the two-hour meeting, underscoring Kyiv’s belief that military pressure—not just talks—will end the war.

Trump’s Peace-First Approach

Trump, however, remains focused on his self-styled role as global dealmaker. “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks,” he said before the meeting. He described the discussion as “very interesting, and cordial” and reiterated his desire for both sides to “stop the killing, and make a DEAL!”

The president envisions a “double meeting” in Budapest: he’ll meet separately with Zelensky and Putin, but the two adversaries won’t sit face-to-face. “These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump explained.

The Cost—and Risk—of Tomahawks

Even if Trump agrees, the path isn’t simple. Each modern Tomahawk missile costs roughly $2.5 million. To make a strategic impact, Ukraine would need dozens—possibly hundreds—straining already tight Western defense budgets.

Moreover, the Kremlin has warned that supplying such weapons would mark a “serious escalation,” potentially triggering retaliatory strikes or expanded mobilization.

Two Visions for Ending the War

The White House meeting laid bare a fundamental divide in strategy:

Zelensky’s view: Negotiations only work when backed by overwhelming force. More weapons = faster peace.
Trump’s view: Peace comes through direct talks, not escalation. Weapons risk prolonging the conflict.

This isn’t the first time Zelensky has faced reluctance from Trump. Since returning to office, the U.S. president has delayed new sanctions on Russia and held back aid packages while giving Putin repeated chances to negotiate—often with little result.

Public and Expert Reactions

Ukrainian officials remain publicly diplomatic but privately frustrated. “We appreciate the dialogue,” said one senior aide, “but time is not on our side.”

Military analysts warn that without long-range strike capability, Ukraine remains on the defensive. “Russia controls the tempo,” said retired Gen. Mark Hertling. “Tomahawks wouldn’t win the war—but they could reset the battlefield.”

What’s Next?

For now, Tomahawks remain “under discussion,” per Zelensky. Meanwhile, U.S. envoys are preparing for preliminary talks with Russian counterparts ahead of the Budapest summit.

But as winter approaches and Russian forces dig in, the window for decisive action narrows. Whether Trump chooses arms or diplomacy may determine not just the course of the war—but the fate of Ukraine’s sovereignty.