Russia-Ukraine war: Trump talks to Putin ahead of meet with Zelenskyy; Tomahawks on agenda

US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, a day before he meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington.

"I am speaking to President Putin now. The conversation is ongoing, a lengthy one, and I will report the contents, as will President Putin, at its conclusion," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.



The call comes ahead of Trump’s meeting on Friday at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has been pressing Trump to sell Kyiv Tomahawk missiles that would allow Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory. Zelenskyy has argued such strikes would help compel Putin to take Trump’s calls for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war more seriously.


Also read: 'Disappointed with Putin': Trump slams Russian President over Ukraine war; calls conflict 'biggest since World War II'

Trump had told reporters traveling with him to Israel on Sunday that he had planned to discuss the Tomahawks with Putin as a way to pressure him to end Russia's war in Ukraine. “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump said on Sunday. “I think I might speak to Russia about that.”

Trump has recently taken a tougher stance toward Moscow, showing growing frustration with Putin, while expressing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia following the 2022 invasion.

Ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza was a key part of Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, during which he repeatedly criticised former US President Joe Biden for his handling of both conflicts. However, like Biden, Trump has faced difficulties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as his efforts to persuade Putin to hold direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have so far failed. The war is now close to entering its fourth year.

Also read: The Tomahawk ultimatum: Trump's warning shot to Moscow; Putin told to end war or face US wrath
After helping broker the Gaza ceasefire, Trump has expressed renewed confidence that he can make progress toward ending the Ukraine war. He has also indicated that he is prepared to increase pressure on Putin if he does not agree to negotiations soon.

“Interestingly we made progress today, because of what's happened in the Middle East,” Trump said on Wednesday evening while addressing supporters at a dinner for his White House ballroom project.

Earlier this week, during a speech to the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, Trump said the Gaza truce could help the United States assist Israel and other Middle Eastern nations in normalising relations. He also stated that his top foreign policy goal is to end the ongoing war in Europe.

"First we have to get Russia done," Trump said, addressing his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been serving as his administration’s main contact with Putin. "We gotta get that one done. If you don’t mind, Steve, let’s focus on Russia first. All right?"