The presidents discussed Ukraine's air defenses and ways to increase pressure on Russia. They also discussed the supply of US Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which Trump said would lead to an escalation of the war. Zelensky then proposed exchanging Ukrainian drones for US long-range Tomahawk missiles. Trump expressed interest in this and announced that he and Zelensky would discuss it further.
At the beginning of the meeting, Zelensky first congratulated Trump for his contribution to ending the war in Gaza. He said he believed that with his help they could also end the war in Ukraine.
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— Muhammad sani (@001Ahmad_s) October 17, 2025
🇺🇲🇷🇺🇺🇦 Trump says he will consider providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine in exchange for drones.
After the February disaster, when he clashed with Trump and members of his administration, Zelensky adjusted his tactics and, at an unannounced press conference before a meeting at the White House today, repeatedly thanked Trump for all his help. He also said he had met with representatives of American energy companies who offered assistance.
Trump: Zelensky and Putin are equally committed to peace
Trump, meanwhile, when asked who was more committed to peace - Zelensky or Putin - replied that they were both equally committed. He said that Putin and Zelensky did not like each other, but expressed confidence that they would reach an agreement. He also expressed his opinion that Putin wanted the war to end.
When asked why he decided to meet with Putin in Hungary, Trump said he liked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Trump dismissed concerns that Hungary, like India - against which he imposed a 50% tariff - was buying Russian oil.
"India will no longer buy Russian oil. Hungary is stuck here because it is landlocked and has one pipeline. I spoke to their great leader and I understand them. We will see what happens," Trump said.
"War is an interesting thing"
"You never know. War is a very interesting thing," Trump said when asked if he thought Ukraine would get back the territory it lost in the war with Russia. Regarding the Tomahawks, he said he and Zelensky would discuss it later."That's why we're here," he added.
Meanwhile, when asked by a Fox News reporter about the difference between former President Joe Biden and Trump, Zelensky replied that Biden is no longer president, and Trump has a chance to end the war.
"He has shown that he can arrange a ceasefire in the Middle East, and I hope he will in our case as well," Zelensky said, after which Trump added that the difference is that one is very capable and the other is completely incompetent.
Trump also responded to a question from Zelensky about US First Lady Melanie Trump 's efforts to return kidnapped Ukrainian children."She wanted it herself. She feels strongly about the children and she's done a good job of bringing it to the forefront. Some say 20,000 children, some say 300. Nobody really knows," Trump said.
