Washington, 18 October (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for Tomahawk cruise missiles concluded without a firm commitment from the United States following a meeting at the White House.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated his reluctance to supply the long-range weapons, prioritizing a diplomatic track that includes an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.During the bilateral meeting on Friday, President Trump was non-committal about providing the missiles, expressing concerns that such a move would represent a significant escalation in the war.

He stated a preference to resolve the conflict without them and noted that the U.S. has its own need for the weapons . While the topic was discussed, both leaders agreed not to make public statements on the specifics. Sources described the meeting as tense and not easy, with Trump making it clear that his current focus is on diplomacy.

The meeting occurred one day after Trump held a very productive phone call with Putin, during which they agreed to meet in Budapest, Hungary, within the next two weeks. Trump has called for both Kyiv and Moscow to stop where they are and suggested a resolution that freezes the current front lines.

Hungarian officials have confirmed they will facilitate Putin’s visit for the summit.President Zelensky, who has argued that Tomahawks are necessary to strike Russian oil and energy facilities and cripple its war economy, described himself as realistic about the prospects of receiving the missiles. He suggested a potential exchange of Ukrainian drones for Tomahawks, a proposal that reportedly drew a positive but non-binding reaction from Trum.

Zelensky believes the mere threat of Ukraine acquiring such powerful weapons has made Russia afraid.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar