Trump Meets Zelenskyy Amid Missile Tensions, Eyes Putin Summit to Shape Ukraine Conflict Resolution

In a highlight of global diplomacy, US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House on October 17, 2025. It came a day after Trump announced a follow-up summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, following what he described as a "productive" phone call.

Zelenskyy's crusade was centered around Ukraine's urgent appeal for Tomahawk cruise missiles with extended ranges, which can target deep within Russian territories. While Kyiv sees the missiles as a strategic priority amid unabated Russian aggression, Trump cautioned, "We need Tomahawks for the United States too," and emphasized the importance of not depleting domestic stockpiles.

The backdrop for the meeting is a rapidly evolving geopolitical situation. Russian forces have intensified air raids on Ukrainian infrastructure, and widespread power cuts and attacks on energy installations have followed. Ukraine has responded by escalating strikes, including a recent bombardment of a Russian oil refinery.

Trump's near-future meeting with Putin will purportedly focus on terms of a possible ceasefire, with Trump stating that the newly established ceasefire in Gaza could serve as a model to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, however hopeful, reiterated that only "the language of strength and justice" would persuade Moscow to agree.

With diplomatic avenues still available but precarious, the world waits with bated breath. The decisions Washington and Budapest take in coming weeks can fundamentally alter the Ukraine war trajectory and redistribute the East European power balance.