Kyiv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia’s Vladimir Putin fears US President Donald Trump may aid Ukraine, as Washington avoids conflict with Moscow.
As reported by Sky News, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he still hopes to secure Tomahawk missiles from the US, stating Vladimir Putin “is afraid” of their potential deployment.
What did Volodymyr Zelenskyy say about Donald Trump and Tomahawk missiles?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during his two-hour meeting with Donald Trump on 17 October, he pressed for long-range missiles amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Referring to the potential supply of the missiles during a discussion set to air on Sunday, he stated,
“It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no’ but for today, didn’t say ‘yes.’”
He admitted that Mr Trump was worried about a possible escalation with Russia, but he told NBC that the weapons remain a genuine threat to Vladimir Putin.
Mr Zelenskyy said,
“I think that Putin [is] afraid that United States will deliver us Tomahawks. And I think that he [is] really afraid that we will use them.”
The long-range missiles outclass Ukraine’s arsenal and could prove decisive in the fight against Russia.
After meeting with President Trump, who spoke with Mr Putin on Thursday, 16 October, Mr Zelenskyy stated,
“We spoke about long-range (missiles) of course. And I do not want to make statements about it.”
He added, “We don’t speak about it because… United States doesn’t want this escalation.”
Mr Zelenskyy’s latest post stated that he is relying on President Trump “to bring this war closer to an end.”
He posted on X,
“We discussed all key issues – our positions on the battlefield, long-range capabilities and air defence, and, of course, diplomatic prospects.”
Ukrainian president added,
“Russia must end the aggression it started and continues to deliberately prolong. We count on the United States’ pressure.”
Over two hours of a pointed conversation with the President of the United States @POTUS that can really help bring this war closer to an end. We discussed all key issues – our positions on the battlefield, long-range capabilities and air defense, and, of course, diplomatic… pic.twitter.com/5EeXv9AYg7
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 17, 2025
What did Donald Trump say about escalation and Russia?
After the meeting, Donald Trump confirmed that hitting targets deep in Russia would be an escalation.
He expressed reluctance to draw from the US Tomahawk missile supply, saying,
“I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace.”
Mr Trump added,
“We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over to be honest.”
He told reporters,
“You stop at the battle line, and both sides should go home, go to their families. Stop the killing. And that should be it. Stop right now at the battle line. I told that to President Zelenskyy. I told it to President Putin.”
Referring to Tomahawk missiles, President Trump said,
“We want Tomahawks, also. We don’t want to be giving away things that we need to protect our country.”
During their August meeting in Alaska, Mr. Trump and Vladimir Putin raised hopes that the war might be nearing an end.
The US president could not secure Russian agreement for a ceasefire or a one-on-one meeting with Mr Zelenskyy.
What did Andrii Sybiha say about the Trump-Putin call?
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, posted on X,
“Today’s call between US President Donald Trump and Putin demonstrates how even the discussion about Tomahawk missiles had already forced Putin back into dialogue with America. The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentum for peace.”
Today’s call between US President Donald Trump and Putin demonstrates how even the discussion about Tomahawk missiles had already forced Putin back into dialogue with America.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) October 16, 2025
The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentum for…
What did Downing Street say about UK support for Ukraine?
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed a call with President Zelenskyy following Friday’s White House meeting, reaffirming Britain’s support for Ukraine.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated,
“The prime minister spoke to the president of Ukraine, European leaders and the NATO secretary general this evening following President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House today. The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. A just and lasting peace for Ukraine was the only way to stop the killing for good, they agreed.”
They said,
“Further discussions about how they could support Ukraine in the lead up to, and following, a ceasefire would continue this week, including in a Coalition of the Willing call on Friday, the leaders agreed,” adding, “Following the call with world leaders this evening, the prime minister then spoke to President Zelenskyy bilaterally to underscore the United Kingdom’s resolute support for Ukraine.”
What Tomahawk Missiles Are and Their Strategic Capabilities?
Tomahawk missiles are long-range weapons launched from ships and submarines, capable of hitting targets over 1,000 miles away. They are highly accurate, capable of striking specific buildings or targets with precision.
These missiles allow the military to attack heavily defended areas from a safe distance. They can be used without risking piloted aircraft.