Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that he has a “proposal” for President Donald Trump: an exchange of drone capabilities for American Tomahawk missiles, known for their precision and long range.
“Achieving a military objective requires thousands of drones,” Zelenskyy emphasized, noting that relying on a single military technology won’t suffice in a war driven by technological advancements.
“Ukraine possesses thousands of drones, yet we lack Tomahawks,” Zelenskyy explained. “The United States has these powerful Tomahawks and other missiles, and they could benefit from our extensive drone fleet.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump convene in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2025. (Photo by Tom Brenner/AFP via Getty Images)
“This is where collaboration is possible,” Zelenskyy added.
When asked by reporters about his interest in negotiating a drone exchange with Ukraine, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes, we would.”
“We have a lot of drones right now. We build our own drones, but we also buy drones from others, and they make very good drones,” Trump added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answers questions during an exclusive appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report” with Bret Baier. (Fox News)
The president acknowledged that giving Ukraine the sophisticated missiles capable of hitting beyond Moscow would be an “escalation.”
“Tomahawks are a big deal,” Trump said, adding at he also has an “obligation” to make sure the U.S. is “completely stocked” on its defensive needs.
“Because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace, right? You never know what’s going to happen,” Trump said.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House in Washington, D.C., Oct. 17, 2025. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)
Trump appeared unlikely to agree to give Zelenskyy Tomahawks on Friday and said he would prefer to see an end to the war.
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Thursday to meet in person in Hungary, though a date has not been set.
Zelenskyy is unlikely to be in attendance at that meeting.
