October 18, 2025 | Washington, D.C
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House on Friday to press U.S. President Donald Trump on military aid, including a proposed exchange in which Ukraine would supply thousands of its domestically produced drones in return for U.S. long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. But while discussions are underway, Trump expressed sharp reservations, warning that providing Tomahawks could represent a dangerous escalation in the war with Russia.
Zelenskyy described the proposal as part of Ukraine’s technological offer, saying his country could trade its advanced drone fleet for access to critical American weapons. “We have thousands of our drones, but we don’t have Tomahawks,” he said. “That’s why we need Tomahawks. The United States has Tomahawks and other missiles, they can have our thousands of drones.”
Trump acknowledged the proposal but stopped short of a commitment. “Tomahawks are a big deal,” he said, adding that the U.S. must be cautious not to supply weapons that could draw it deeper into the conflict. The president reiterated that his administration does not want to take actions that could “provoke escalation” with Moscow.
Key Issues at Stake
Tomahawks are powerful long-range cruise missiles capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Their transfer to Ukraine would mark a major shift in Western military support. The drone-for-missile proposal highlights Ukraine’s urgency to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities amid renewed Russian attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure.
Trump’s hesitation reflects broader concerns among U.S. and NATO allies about potential escalation, legal implications, and the risk of direct confrontation with Russia. Moscow has warned that any delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be seen as an act of direct involvement by Washington.
Broader Context
The meeting came amid intensified Russian bombardments across Ukraine, pushing Kyiv to seek additional military aid. Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington was viewed as a pivotal moment in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict.
Trump also reiterated his belief in pursuing a negotiated settlement, suggesting that both sides should “stop where they are” and “let history decide,” a stance that marks a departure from previous U.S. policy aimed at supporting Ukraine’s full territorial restoration.
