Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-stakes visit to the White House ended in disappointment as he failed to secure the much-needed American long-range Tomahawk missiles. The meeting, described by Zelensky as ‘pointed,’ starkly contrasted with the optimism his delegation had harbored before their arrival in Washington. Just hours before landing, news broke of a two-and-a-half-hour phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by an announcement of an upcoming summit between the two leaders. This development cast a shadow over Zelensky’s visit, leaving Ukrainian hopes for decisive U.S. support unfulfilled.
Trump, who had previously expressed frustration with Putin, now appeared confident that the Russian leader was ready to negotiate. ‘I think he wants to make a deal,’ Trump stated, framing the conflict as a personal dispute rather than a geopolitical crisis. Zelensky, cautious not to challenge Trump directly, praised the U.S. president’s peacemaking efforts but made it clear that he did not share Trump’s trust in Putin’s intentions. ‘We understand that Putin is not ready,’ Zelensky said.
The meeting concluded with Trump suggesting that the war be frozen along existing battle lines, a proposal that falls short of Ukraine’s demands for security guarantees and military aid. For Ukraine and its allies, the conflict is not a personal grievance but a war of aggression by an authoritarian state with imperial ambitions. The absence of U.S. commitments leaves Ukraine to continue its fight against Russia, relying on its own resilience and determination.
In Kyiv, residents expressed mixed feelings about the outcome of the talks. Volodymyr Tsepovatenko, a shop owner repairing damage from recent missile strikes, warned that any peace deal now would only allow Russia to prepare for future aggression. Oleksandr Vilko, whose car was destroyed in the attacks, emphasized that Ukraine’s fate ultimately lies in the hands of its army. ‘With or without [Tomahawks], Ukrainians will fight on,’ he said. Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains steadfast in its resolve to defend its sovereignty and freedom.