In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold an in-person summit in Hungary, following a two-and-a-half-hour phone call on Thursday. The announcement comes as Ukraine faces relentless attacks from Russia, including missile strikes and drone assaults targeting civilian infrastructure and the gas supply network, exacerbating the country’s already dire situation. The timing of the call, which occurred while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was en route to Washington, has raised concerns in Kyiv, as it appears to overshadow Zelensky’s efforts to secure critical military aid. Zelensky had hoped to persuade Trump to approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory. However, Trump’s willingness to provide such weapons remains uncertain, especially after his recent remarks questioning the wisdom of deploying Tomahawks against Russia. The summit announcement has been interpreted by some analysts as a strategic move by Putin to de-escalate tensions while maintaining his position. Meanwhile, Zelensky remains resolute, meeting with U.S. defense representatives to advocate for advanced weaponry. As Ukraine braces for its fourth winter of war, the prospect of a Trump-Putin summit offers little reassurance to a nation weary of conflict and skeptical of diplomatic breakthroughs.