Zelenskyy Urges Trump to Capitalize on Momentum for Ukraine Peace Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump marked a significant moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During their fourth face-to-face meeting since Trump returned to office in January, Zelenskyy pointed to the U.S. president's recent foreign policy achievements as evidence that momentum exists for meaningful progress toward peace.

Building on Diplomatic Success

Zelenskyy specifically congratulated Trump on securing last week's ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza, framing it as a diplomatic victory that could be replicated in Eastern Europe. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Trump now possesses the necessary momentum to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end. This acknowledgment came during discussions that revealed significant shifts in U.S. policy regarding military support for Ukraine.

Shifting Military Support Positions

The meeting revealed a notable change in Trump's position on providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Despite earlier indications that he was seriously considering selling long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv, Trump expressed hesitation during the White House talks. He emphasized his obligation to ensure U.S. military readiness, stating, "I have an obligation also to make sure that we're completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what's going to happen in war and peace."

Strategic Calculations and Peace Prospects

Trump's changing stance on military support followed his lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin the previous day. During that call, Putin warned that providing Tomahawks to Ukraine would damage U.S.-Russian relations, though he conceded such weapons wouldn't fundamentally alter battlefield dynamics. Ukrainian officials argued that even the discussion of providing these advanced systems had served a strategic purpose by pushing Moscow toward negotiations.

Energy Cooperation as Alternative Path

Beyond military discussions, the leaders explored economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Zelenskyy proposed storing American liquefied natural gas in Ukraine's gas storage facilities, which would establish a U.S. presence in European energy markets. This approach represents an alternative strategy to strengthen Ukraine's position while creating mutual economic benefits.

Path Forward and Negotiation Prospects

Trump announced plans to meet with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, to discuss ending the war, though the specific role Zelenskyy would play in those talks remained uncertain. The U.S. president suggested a "double meeting" with both leaders might be the most practical approach, acknowledging that "these two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody."

The diplomatic engagement represents Trump's continued effort to fulfill his campaign promise to quickly end the Ukraine conflict. While earlier peace efforts appeared to stall following summits in August, the recent flurry of diplomatic activity suggests renewed momentum. As Zelenskyy emphasized during the meeting, "President Trump now has a big chance to finish this war," pointing to the combination of military pressure and diplomatic engagement as the potential path to resolution.