A surprise phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday disrupted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s mission in Washington. The two leaders agreed to meet soon to discuss the war in Ukraine, catching Kyiv off guard and complicating Zelensky’s push for advanced US weapons.
The timing was stark. Within 24 hours, Russia launched dozens of missiles and more than 300 drones across Ukraine. Civilian infrastructure suffered once again, with gas pipelines damaged and power stations hit just as freezing temperatures arrive. Rolling blackouts now spread nationwide, raising fears of a harsh winter.
Moscow’s strikes mask growing weakness
For Ukrainian officials, the attacks reveal Russia’s desperation. Frontlines remain largely frozen, with huge losses for minimal territorial gains. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil depots continue to strain Moscow’s economy.
Zelensky had hoped his trip to Washington would secure more US military support. Before departure, he sounded confident. Some aides suggested Trump was beginning to see Ukraine’s perspective—a stark contrast to February’s tense Oval Office meeting, when Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three.”
Tomahawk hopes face uncertainty
After the failed Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and Russia’s intensified attacks, Kyiv believed Trump’s patience with his “good friend” was running out. Ukrainian officials expected Friday’s White House talks to approve long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Trump’s remarks fed that optimism. “Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so,” he said. Experts warned that logistical challenges could delay missile deployment for months.
Still, Tomahawks would give Ukraine a decisive advantage. They would allow strikes deep into Russia and signal a major shift in US support.
Mid-flight call shifts the agenda
The two-and-a-half-hour Trump-Putin conversation took place while Zelensky was flying to Washington. Its timing threatened to overshadow his diplomatic push.
Upon landing, Zelensky tried to remain composed, claiming Russia was “rushing to renew dialogue” because of Tomahawk discussions. Analysts, however, saw a familiar Kremlin tactic. Moscow confirmed it had requested the call. Putin reportedly warned Trump that supplying Tomahawks would be a “serious provocation.”
The leaders also discussed what Russia described as “colossal prospects” for trade if peace were achieved. They agreed to meet in Hungary within two weeks. Trump later called the conversation “very productive.”
A bitter winter looms
As Ukraine heads into its fourth wartime winter, few citizens trust Trump to deliver peace. One woman, injured in a Russian strike on a train carriage, summarized the sentiment from her hospital bed: “A person like Putin can’t be trusted.”
After arriving in Washington, Zelensky met with defense company executives producing the advanced weapons Ukraine urgently needs. He will still request Tomahawks, but chances now look slim.
The cycle of persuasion continues
Whenever Trump grows frustrated with Putin, a single call seems to ease tensions. Moscow repeatedly softens his stance, delaying tougher sanctions or stronger military aid.
The planned Hungary summit, offered without conditions, does not signal a change in US patience. For now, Ukraine’s hopes for long-range missiles have dimmed. Instead of a breakthrough, Zelensky faces a diplomatic setback—delivered not by missiles, but by a phone call.
