US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest following what he described as a “productive” phone call, even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington to press for advanced US weapons. The visit comes amid heightened speculation over whether the US will provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Trump confirmed that he discussed the potential supply of Tomahawks with Putin, who reportedly opposed the idea. Despite signaling interest in helping Ukraine, Trump suggested that Washington could not “deplete” its own missile stockpile, casting doubt on immediate delivery. Still, he hinted that diplomatic momentum from his recent Gaza peace deal could extend to efforts aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of up to 1,500 miles, could give Ukraine the ability to strike deep inside Russian territory. However, experts note that the US has limited ground-based launch systems, such as the new Typhon system, and only a modest supply of the missiles themselves. Analysts believe Trump’s talk of supplying Tomahawks may serve more as a bargaining tactic to pressure Moscow rather than a confirmed arms transfer.
In response, the Kremlin warned that any US move to send Tomahawks to Ukraine would represent a “new stage of escalation.” While some in Moscow dismiss Trump’s statements as strategic bluffing, others acknowledge growing concern that Putin may be losing influence over the US president. For Kyiv, even the hint of such support has prompted Moscow to accelerate diplomatic outreach, underscoring how the missile issue has become a key test of Washington’s resolve in the conflict.