President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine arrived in Washington this week to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, aiming to secure additional U.S. support amid Russia’s ongoing war. The visit comes as Trump plans a possible summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, raising concerns in Kyiv about Ukraine’s security and the future of U.S. assistance.
Zelensky’s primary goal was to push for the delivery of Tomahawk missiles—long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russian territory. Trump had previously suggested the missiles could be used as leverage to bring Putin to the negotiating table. However, after a two-hour call with Putin on Thursday, Trump left the issue unresolved, indicating further talks would be necessary.
This meeting marks the third Oval Office encounter between Trump and Zelensky this year, and their sixth in-person meeting overall. Ukrainian officials continue to advocate for a strategy focused on increased arms deliveries rather than extended talks, hoping to pressure Russia into serious negotiations. Analysts note that acquiring Tomahawk missiles would require significant funding, with each missile costing roughly $2.5 million. Ukraine plans to rely on a NATO-backed European procurement system, which has already secured $2 billion for U.S. weapons purchases.
The Cabinet Room meeting included key U.S. officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Earlier in the week, a high-level Ukrainian delegation met with Raytheon executives, the manufacturer of Tomahawk missiles, to lay the groundwork for Zelensky’s visit.
Beyond arms discussions, the looming Trump-Putin summit in Budapest has stirred diplomatic concerns. Hungary’s historical ties with Moscow and its partial withdrawal from the International Criminal Court make the location controversial. Ukrainian officials stress that any security guarantees must be legally binding, citing the failed 1994 Budapest Memorandum that promised Ukraine protection in exchange for giving up Soviet-era nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, former National Security Adviser John Bolton appeared in federal court in Maryland on charges of mishandling classified information while serving under Trump. Bolton pleaded not guilty to an 18-count indictment alleging he shared sensitive documents with family members. He was released under conditions restricting travel outside the continental United States, and his next court date is set for November 21.
Trump continues to actively engage in both international diplomacy and domestic politics. He confirmed plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Domestically, Trump has urged Indiana Republicans to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, reflecting his broader political strategy.
The U.S.-Ukraine-Russia dynamics remain complex. Trump’s approach blends diplomacy, potential arms sales, and personal negotiation with Putin, while Ukraine seeks reliable military and security assurances. Zelensky’s Washington visit underscores the urgency of support for Kyiv, even as the administration balances international negotiations and domestic political priorities.