President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on October 17, 2025, amid efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting followed Trump's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and focused on peace negotiations delayed by personal tensions. Discussions included potential U.S. Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, though Trump expressed reluctance.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, D.C., marking Zelenskyy's third visit to the U.S. this year. The discussion centered on advancing a peace settlement in Ukraine, coming a day after Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16.
Trump highlighted 'tremendous bad blood' between Zelenskyy and Putin as a key obstacle. 'They have tremendous bad blood. It's really what is holding up I think a settlement. I think we are going to get it done, and we have to make it long-lasting, as I said in the Middle East, everlasting,' Trump said. He drew parallels to his recent Middle East ceasefire, which involved 59 countries. 'The Middle East is a much more complicated situation. You know, we had 59 countries involved, and every one of them agreed,' Trump noted, adding that he had a 'very good talk' with Putin, who he believes wants a deal.
The leaders agreed to a future in-person meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to address the war. Zelenskyy praised Trump's diplomatic record, stating, 'President Trump has a big chance now to finish this war' and expressing hope that Trump could replicate his Middle East success for Ukraine.
A focal point was Ukraine's request for U.S. Tomahawk missiles, which could enable strikes deep into Russia, including its oil industry funding the conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enhanced defenses against Russian attacks on civilians and infrastructure. Trump acknowledged, 'We need Tomahawks, and we need a lot of other things that we've been sending over the last four years to Ukraine,' but indicated hesitation. 'Hopefully we'll be able to get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks. I think we're fairly close to that,' he said. Zelenskyy proposed a potential exchange for Ukraine's drones, which Trump called 'really good,' though he stressed U.S. obligations to maintain its own stockpiles.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov reported that Putin opposed the missiles, warning they would damage bilateral relations and peace prospects. Zelenskyy, in a post on X, reiterated that Russian aggression persists and every air defense system saves lives. Trump described the difference between his approach and former President Joe Biden's as one of competence versus incompetence.