Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday for high-stakes talks centered on the ongoing war with Russia and the potential delivery of Tomahawk long-range missiles to Kyiv.

The bilateral meeting, their sixth since Trump’s return to office, took place amid growing speculation in Washington that the administration is weighing approval for Ukraine to receive Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking targets up to 2,500 kilometers (1,600 miles) away.

“It’s an honor to be with a very strong leader, a man who has been through a lot,” Trump said during a working lunch with Zelensky. “We’ve gotten along very well, and I think we’ll get a lot done.”

The U.S. president stopped short of confirming any final decision on Tomahawks, emphasizing that Washington prefers peace over escalation. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks,” Trump said. “They’re powerful weapons — very dangerous weapons — and using them would mean a big escalation.”

Still, the Trump administration has reportedly been reviewing a proposal known as “Project Iron Bridge”, which envisions deepening U.S.-Ukraine military cooperation through joint production of drones and precision-guided weapons systems.

Zelensky, for his part, expressed cautious optimism about achieving a just peace, while underscoring Ukraine’s urgent need for enhanced air defenses and long-range strike capability.

“We understand that Putin is not ready [for peace], but I’m confident that with your help, we can stop this war,” Zelensky said. “Their army is weak now, and they have suffered many losses.”

Before departing for Washington, Zelensky had said his agenda included finalizing two key defense agreements: a “Mega Deal” worth up to $90 billion for American weapons purchases, and a “Drone Deal” under which Ukraine would supply the U.S. with advanced unmanned systems in exchange for missile technology.

“If you want to target a military goal, you need thousands of drones,” Zelensky told Trump. “The United States has Tomahawks and other strong missiles, and we can provide our drone technology. That’s how we can work together.”

Trump appeared open to the idea, replying, “They make a very good drone.”

The meeting followed Trump’s phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, during which the two leaders agreed to hold a summit in Budapest next month. The talks, expected to include security guarantees for Europe and Ukraine, would mark their second face-to-face encounter since 2022.

Trump confirmed to reporters that the Budapest event would likely be a “double meeting”, suggesting potential involvement from both Russian and Ukrainian sides at different stages. “We will have President Zelensky in touch,” he said, acknowledging “a lot of bad blood” between the two presidents.

The prospect of the U.S. transferring Tomahawks to Kyiv has triggered alarm in Moscow. Putin warned earlier this week that such a move would represent “a qualitatively new stage of escalation.”

In response, Trump acknowledged the risks but dismissed suggestions that weapons transfers alone would determine Putin’s willingness to negotiate. “I think he just wants to make a deal — that’s all,” Trump said. “I can’t tell you what’s bringing him.”

Analysts say the meeting underscores Trump’s balancing act between pursuing a peace deal and satisfying Ukraine’s security needs. While Trump has refrained from imposing new sanctions on Russia, his administration has authorized selective aid packages to bolster Ukraine’s defense without crossing Moscow’s perceived red lines.

Washington insiders note that any final decision on Tomahawk transfers will likely depend on the outcome of next month’s U.S.-Russia summit and Kyiv’s ability to reassure Washington that such weapons would be used only against legitimate military targets.

As the meeting concluded, Zelensky expressed hope that U.S. leadership could bring the conflict closer to resolution: “With your help, Mr. President, we can stop this war — not in words, but in reality.” (ILKHA)