Zelenskyj calls for tomahawks: Trump seeks peace in the White House

Zelenskyj calls for tomahawks: Trump seeks peace in the White House

A crucial meeting took place in the White House in Washington on October 17, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump on his third visit this year. Particularly explosive: Zelensky is hoping for the delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles that could also reach Moscow. Trump indicated that the issue would be discussed, but expressed optimism that the conflict could be resolved without additional military support. He has the impression that Russian President Vladimir Putin also has an interest in ending the war, as BR reports.

Zelensky, who has been in Washington since Thursday, is certain that bilateral security guarantees between the USA and Ukraine are essential. The role of defense and energy companies in the talks also plays a central role. However, the situation in Ukraine remains tense as the country continues to face intense attacks from Russia. Reports from Naftogaz boss Serhiy Koretzkyj show that Russian attacks on gas production facilities in the Poltava region have caused massive destruction. In recent days, the Ukrainian army has intercepted more than 280 drones and five missiles, while attacks continue unabated, as MDR has shown.

The military situation

The fighting at the front shows that there is no quick end to the conflict in sight. Observers are concerned about the situation of Ukrainian air defense and its dependence on US military aid. Zelensky emphasized that Russia must also adhere to proposals for negotiations that include, among other things, the release of prisoners of war and the cessation of air strikes on civilian infrastructure.

A lack of support from the USA would have a devastating impact on Ukraine's military situation. Deputy Roman Kostenko said that Ukraine was not prepared for the current delays and that the loss of HIMARS missiles would represent a significant limitation to hostilities. In this context, attention is also drawn to the lack of “Patriot” systems that could help Ukraine better defend itself. According to the Tagesschau, the situation was so precarious in the past that massive attacks on important infrastructure could only be averted with timely help from the USA.

Future prospects

Trump also congratulated Zelensky on a recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. In addition, Trump plans to meet with Putin in Budapest in the next two weeks, expressing a general understanding of the situation if these talks promote peace. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has also expressed his understanding of the meeting, although it remains to be seen what impact these talks will have on already tense relations between the US, Ukraine and Russia.

The interplay between military support, diplomatic efforts and the growing demands on the international community remains central to this issue. How the situation in Ukraine will develop and what response the Western countries have to it will be the focus in the coming weeks.