Trump Holds Back on Sending Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine, Cites Push for Peace Deal With Putin

President Donald Trump indicated Friday that he is not ready to approve Ukraine’s request for U.S. Tomahawk missiles, signaling a shift toward diplomacy and de-escalation as he prepares for direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House following Trump’s high-profile phone call with Putin on Thursday. Trump confirmed he and the Russian leader plan to meet soon in Budapest to negotiate a long-term end to the war in Ukraine — talks that will notably exclude Zelensky.

“They have tremendous bad blood,” Trump said of Putin and Zelensky. “It really is what is holding up, I think, a settlement. I think we are going to get it done, and we have to make it long-lasting.”

Trump Balks at Tomahawk Request

One of the most pressing issues Zelensky raised was Ukraine’s desire to acquire U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles — long-range weapons that could strike deep inside Russia, including its oil infrastructure.

Trump didn’t rule out the possibility entirely but made it clear he’s reluctant to escalate the conflict by approving such powerful arms transfers.

“We need Tomahawks, we need a lot of other weapons,” Trump said, speaking about the broader context of U.S. military support. “One of the reasons we want to get this war over is exactly that. It’s not easy for us to give … you’re talking about massive numbers of very powerful weapons.”

The president emphasized that his administration’s priority is ending the war, not prolonging it through continued weapons shipments. “Hopefully they won’t need [Tomahawks]. Hopefully we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks.”

Zelensky Proposes Drone Exchange

During the meeting, Zelensky argued that Ukraine has plenty of drones but lacks the advanced cruise missiles needed to deter Russian aggression.

“They can have our thousands of drones — that’s where we can work together,” Zelensky offered.

Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked whether a deal could be struck: “If President Trump okays Tomahawk missiles to help you, then would you authorize some kind of exchange?”

Trump responded positively to the idea of acquiring Ukrainian drones. “They make a really good drone,” he said, praising Ukraine’s advancements in unmanned aerial warfare.

However, Trump reiterated his broader concern: “I have an obligation also, though, to make sure we are completely stocked up as a country… You never know what is going to happen. So we are going to be talking about Tomahawks. But I’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks.”

“We’re In It to End the War”

Trump underscored that the United States is no longer trying to use Ukraine as a proxy battleground. “We’re in it to get the war over,” he said. While noting that the U.S. is selling weapons to the European Union, he insisted, “We’re not in it for that.”

Instead, Trump emphasized his approach is aimed at restoring peace in Europe through strong but pragmatic diplomacy. He pointed to his recent success in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas — an agreement he said was backed by 59 countries — as proof that even complex conflicts can be resolved under his leadership.

Zelensky: “Trump Has a Big Chance” to End the War

When asked about the difference between Trump and Joe Biden, Zelensky didn’t hesitate to praise Trump’s potential.

“President Trump has a big chance now to finish this war,” Zelensky said. “President Biden now is not the president… And President Trump really showed for the world that he can manage ceasefire in the Middle East.”

“For Ukraine, it’s a big chance,” he added. “And I hope that President Trump can manage it.”

Trump responded bluntly: “I would say the biggest difference is one is extremely competent and the other one is grossly incompetent.”

What’s Next?

The upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Budapest may shape the future of the Ukraine conflict. With Trump holding back on further arms escalation and prioritizing a direct deal with Moscow, the path ahead suggests diplomacy may soon take center stage — with or without Kyiv at the table.