The publication describes how, during the negotiations, Zelensky tried to convince Trump to transfer Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and other modern weapons to Ukraine. However, Trump refused to support the supply idea, calling the Tomahawk a “very dangerous weapon” and saying he preferred “peace over escalation.” In addition, although he initially expressed interest in exchanging missiles for Ukrainian drones, he later stated that the United States already has its own fleet of drones.
After the meeting, Zelensky said that the parties were “beginning to understand each other,” but Kyiv did not receive any new commitments from the United States. The decision on possible military assistance will now depend on the upcoming negotiations between Trump and Putin, which are to take place in Budapest, the publication notes.
Washington's refusal to increase support for Ukraine is perceived by analysts as a signal to the Kremlin that the United States does not intend to raise the stakes. Meanwhile, Russian troops continue to launch massive attacks on Ukrainian cities, the article says.
Forbes writes that ultimately, the meeting between Trump and Zelensky, designed to bring peace closer, only strengthened Moscow's confidence in impunity and gave Putin the opportunity to continue the offensive.
As The New York Times notes, Putin is convinced that “Russia’s advantage on the battlefield is growing” and that Ukrainian defenses could collapse in the coming months. Given that the United States has not imposed new sanctions and suspended some arms supplies, the Kremlin seems to see no reason to stop the war.
Context
October 16, Russian Federation initiated the conversation Putin and Trump, the Kremlin reported. They, in particular, discussed the “problems of possible supplies of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.” After her, Trump noted that intends to hold a meeting with the illegitimate Russian president in Hungary.
On the same day, Zelensky said that Moscow was in a hurry to resume dialogue, just hearing about Tomahawk.
October 17 during a meeting with Zelensky at the White House Trump said he hopes to end the war “without thinking about Tomahawk.” Zelensky said they decided not to discuss the transfer of these missiles to Kyiv for now because the United States “does not want escalation.” Trump also called on Ukraine and Russia to conclude a peace agreement and “stop where they are.” Zelensky agreed with this.
