Trump Proposes Ceasefire While Hosting Zelenskyy

On Oct. 17 President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and urged an immediate halt to the war, suggesting both sides “stop where they are” and could “claim victory” while he seeks to broker a deal. Trump signaled reluctance to send long‑range Tomahawk cruise missiles—citing U.S. stockpile concerns and a recent call with Vladimir Putin—and downplayed approving such a sale. Zelenskyy pressed for Tomahawks as crucial to Ukraine’s defense, offered advanced drones and security guarantees in return, and described the more-than-two-hour meeting as productive and cordial. Trump said he hopes to leverage momentum from a Gaza ceasefire and plans to pursue a Trump–Putin meeting in Hungary to advance diplomacy. U.S. officials are weighing continued support for Kyiv against maintaining U.S. defense readiness while Ukrainian officials say even discussing the missile request has pressured Moscow.