Marta Gichko14:27, 18.10.25

An approving Trump suddenly refused to hand over Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after a conversation with Putin, preferring peace talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had high hopes for a White House meeting where he planned to negotiate the transfer of American long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine . Such missiles would have allowed Kyiv to strike deep into Russian territory and strengthen its leverage in peace negotiations, but his hopes were in vain, according to The New York Times.

Initially, US President Donald Trump appeared supportive of the idea, citing the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, which Kyiv could exchange for Tomahawks. However, he later reversed his stance and decided to keep the missiles in the US, citing the need to defend his own country and the desire to avoid escalation of the conflict.

The key factor influencing the refusal was Trump’s lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, during the conversation, Putin did not support the idea of ​​transferring the missiles to Ukraine, which forced the American leader to reconsider his plans.

“We hope to end the war without Tomahawks,” Trump said, emphasizing the importance of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

In a commentary near the White House, President Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is indeed afraid of Tomahawk missiles, but agreed that both sides should strive to end hostilities. The publication concluded:

“By rejecting the Tomahawk offer, Trump is once again giving in to Putin.”

(C)UNIAN 2025