Axios: Trump refuses Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 17 in a tense 2.5-hour session, during which Trump made clear he does not intend to provide long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine for the time being, Axios reports, citing sources.

Zelenskyy had hoped to secure commitments for new weapons systems to strengthen Ukraine’s defences, but Trump, a day after a lengthy call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasised diplomacy as his top priority. Trump reportedly believes sending Tomahawks could undermine ongoing negotiations with Russia.

Sources described the meeting as “not easy” and “bad.” While no shouting occurred, Trump was “tough” and at times emotional. The session ended abruptly, with Trump saying, “I think we’re done. Let’s see what happens next week,” referencing upcoming U.S.-Russia talks. Trump plans to meet Putin in Budapest within the next two weeks.

During the meeting, Trump briefed Zelenskyy on Thursday’s call with Putin, stressing that the U.S. proposal for a diplomatic solution involves freezing the current front lines — a position Ukraine finds difficult to accept. Trump later hinted at this stance in a Truth Social post, stating: “Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”

Immediately after the Washington meeting, Zelenskyy held a conference call with European leaders, several of whom expressed puzzlement over Trump’s apparent change in approach. Coordinated statements of support for Ukraine were issued soon after, signalling that Zelenskyy’s visit did not achieve its primary goal.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Tomahawks were discussed but said the topic was not made public to avoid escalation. When asked about prospects for receiving them, he described himself as “realistic.” Sources said Zelenskyy pressed hard for Tomahawks, but Trump remained firm and showed no flexibility.

Looking ahead, European leaders are exploring next steps. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed working with the U.S. to draft a peace plan for Ukraine based on Trump’s 20-point Gaza framework, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called for urgent consultations among European national security advisers over the weekend.

Zelenskyy’s chief of staff told Axios that securing weapons commitments, including Tomahawks and other systems, was the top priority of the visit, but Trump offered no such assurances.

By Vugar Khalilov