WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House today, indicated that the potential transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could escalate the ongoing conflict, as discussions between the two leaders unfolded.The meeting, held October 17, 2025, offered a rare glimpse into Trump’s current thinking on the war, a subject he has frequently addressed with shifting positions.
The exchange occurred during a nearly 40-minute Q&A session witnessed by BBC News, where Trump appeared less certain about Ukraine’s ability to regain lost territory than he was weeks prior. The discussion centered heavily on the possibility of providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, a move that observers believe could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s willingness to engage in negotiations. The outcome of the meeting and any commitments made regarding military aid remain unclear.
During the session, a reporter questioned Trump on whether the prospect of Tomahawk missiles was a factor in bringing Putin to the negotiating table. Trump responded, “I can’t tell you what’s bringing him to the table,” before detailing the capabilities of the missiles. This response was notable, the reporter observed, as Trump did not immediately invoke his often-cited relationship with Putin.
Earlier, when asked about Ukraine’s future territorial boundaries, Trump offered a terse reply: “War is very fascinating. You just never know with war and peace.” This contrasted with previous statements where he expressed belief in Ukraine’s potential to reclaim its territory.
Several US cabinet members, including Senators JD Vance and Marco Rubio, were observed reacting positively to Trump’s remarks, smiling and laughing at his jokes throughout the meeting. The discussion took place in the White House cabinet room, with the reporter positioned close to both Zelensky and Trump.
