Zelensky Slams Putin as “No Peace” in White House Showdown
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t hold back during a tense White House meeting on Friday. He told Donald Trump straight up: Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t serious about peace.
“We want peace, Putin doesn’t want peace. That’s why we need pressure on him,” Zelensky said, pushing hard for more US military aid to back Ukraine’s fight.
Trump Hopes for Peace but Keeps His Guard Up
Ever the dealmaker, Trump expressed optimism that Putin wants to end the war. “I think President Putin wants to end the war, or he wouldn’t be talking this way,” he claimed.
But the former president kept one eye on the risks. “I have been played all my life by the best of them,” he warned after a lengthy phone call with Putin the day before.
With trademark bravado, Trump added, “I know about deals, I do it well,” boasting he could be the first US president to end a war.
Zelensky Praises Trump’s Middle East Wins, Demands More Weapons for Ukraine
Before focusing on Ukraine’s needs, Zelensky praised Trump’s recent success brokering peace in the Middle East.
“I am confident with your help that we can stop this war. We see that they do not have success on the battlefield, they are weaker now,” Zelensky said.
The meeting followed Trump’s agreement to a second summit with Putin in Hungary, hosted by his ally Viktor Orbán.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Putin even called Trump to congratulate him on efforts to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict—adding a twist to the high-stakes diplomacy.
Tomahawk Missiles on the Table? Trump’s Bold Offer Rocks Talks
The big topic: Ukraine’s desperate plea for long-range Tomahawk missiles. Washington’s been wary of risking escalation by supplying them.
Trump said he cheekily asked Putin, “Would you mind if I gave a couple of thousand tomahawks to your opposition?” Unsurprisingly, Putin shot it down.
Calling the missiles “vicious” and “incredibly destructive,” Trump hinted he might hold off delivering them until after his next sit-down with Putin.
Meanwhile, US defense figure Pete Hegseth warned Moscow: reject talks and face harsh consequences.
Zelensky Calls Out Putin’s Empty Promises on Social Media
On Twitter, Zelensky didn’t hold punches: “Russia will be forced to stop the war once it is no longer able to continue it.” He accused Putin of hypocrisy, saying peace means ending attacks and killings—something the Russian leader refuses to do.
Trump Acknowledges Feud Between Zelensky and Putin Complicates Talks
Asked who’s better at negotiating, Trump praised both but admitted their personal grudges are a problem.
“They don’t get along too well, sometimes it’s tough to have meetings,” Trump said, suggesting separate but equal talks might be the way forward.
From Frosty Start to Warming Ties
Relations between Trump and Zelensky have warmed since their frosty February Oval Office meeting, where Trump bluntly told Zelensky: “You don’t have the cards.”
Trump claims ongoing talks with both leaders, including a recent meeting with Putin in Alaska that “set a stage” for future diplomacy—though no deal emerged.
Former first lady Melania Trump reportedly opened his eyes to Ukrainian civilian suffering, shaping his views.
Pressed on Ukrainian concessions, Zelensky stood firm: “They will have to sit down and talk first,” emphasising the need for direct negotiations.
