(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced optimism that U.S. President Donald Trump may still decide to provide Kyiv with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, following their meeting in Washington, D.C., last week.

The two leaders met at the White House on Friday for what Trump described as a “very interesting and cordial” discussion. Zelenskyy said that the talks covered crucial matters such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kyiv’s air defense capabilities, and the need for long-range weapon systems.

Speaking to a news agency after the meeting, Zelenskyy emphasized his government’s continued interest in obtaining Tomahawk missiles to enable strikes deeper inside Russian territory. “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, didn’t say ‘yes,’” he remarked, adding, “But I count on (the) continuation of this dialogue.”

When questioned about Trump’s apparent change in tone regarding the missile supply after a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy said the topic remains “very sensitive for Russians.” He explained, “I think that Putin (is) afraid that (the) United States will deliver us Tomahawks. And I think that he (is) really afraid that we will use (them).”

Trump previously stated he was close to reaching a decision on sending Tomahawks to Ukraine — a request Zelenskyy first made during their meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York in September. Putin, meanwhile, warned that such a move would “destroy” U.S.-Russian relations and trigger “a completely new, qualitatively new stage of escalation.”
On potential peace negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Putin’s willingness to engage sincerely, saying he does not believe the Russian leader is ready for “real peace negotiations,” including those expected in Budapest.

“But, if … President (Trump) will (put) pressure on him (Putin), and if Putin will be ready for any format … of negotiations … I think it will be good,” Zelenskyy said, accusing Moscow of using delay tactics to avoid sanctions and prolong the conflict.

He confirmed that the Budapest peace initiative was discussed during his meeting with Trump, noting that Trump and Putin are also expected to address the matter in their own talks.

Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s inclusion in any peace framework, stating, “If we really want to have just and lasting peace, we need both sides of this tragedy… How can (there) be some deals without us about us?”

Zelenskyy also urged Trump to exert “more” pressure on Putin to advance peace efforts and voiced support for proposed U.S. legislation imposing sanctions and tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil. During their meeting, he also sought bilateral security assurances for Ukraine and, when asked whether he believed Trump could end the war, responded, “God bless, yes.”

Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said that Trump and Putin discussed the possibility of another face-to-face summit during their recent phone call and agreed to begin preparations immediately, with Budapest emerging as a likely venue. The two leaders last met in Alaska on August 15.

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