Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy ‘realistic’ about chances of Tomahawk missile deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described himself as “realistic” about the chances of Ukraine receiving US Tomahawk long-range missiles following his meeting with US President Donald Trump on October 17, 2025. In their talks at the White House, Trump downplayed the immediate provision of these missiles, signaling caution about escalating the conflict.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the discussions were productive and that both sides agreed not to publicly disclose details about the Tomahawk missile talks as the US is hesitant to supply them for now. Trump warned that giving Ukraine Tomahawk missiles “could mean bigger escalation” in the war and emphasized an interest in brokering a peace deal, suggesting a ceasefire with Russia even if it means Ukraine conceding territory.
Zelenskyy had pushed for the Tomahawks because the missiles would enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike high-value Russian military and energy targets with greater precision, potentially forcing Putin to negotiate. He even proposed swapping “thousands” of Ukrainian drones in exchange for the Tomahawk missiles. However, Trump suggested stopping the war at the current front lines and urged both sides to go home, which Zelenskyy seemed to cautiously support in principle while maintaining a realistic outlook about missile supply. The US also appears to want to retain control over targeting if such missiles are supplied in the future.
Zelenskyy’s realism reflects the current US reluctance to supply long-range offensive weapons like Tomahawks amid concerns of escalation, while continuing diplomatic efforts to manage the conflict and seek possible ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
