Share this @internewscast.com
Donald Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a deal with Russia, pouring cold water on Kyiv’s hopes for Tomahawk missiles as the US president renewed a push to settle the war.
After meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, Trump said on social media that their talks were “very interesting, and cordial, but I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing, and make a DEAL!”
“They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!” he posted online, while flying to his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago.

After touching down, he addressed the media, emphasizing the urgency for Ukraine and Russia to “halt immediately at the battle line.” This statement underscores the need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

A missile being launched from a US navy ship

Trump expressed concern over the United States potentially “depleting” its own stockpile of Tomahawk missiles, which boast an impressive range exceeding 1,600 kilometers. This caution highlights the strategic balance the U.S. must maintain while addressing international conflicts. Source: Getty / U.S. Navy

He further elaborated, “Proceed according to the battle line wherever it currently lies; otherwise, it becomes excessively complicated.” This sentiment suggests a pragmatic approach to conflict resolution, advocating for clarity and simplicity in negotiations.

During discussions with the press, he mentioned that although he and Trump deliberated on the issue of long-range weaponry, they chose to refrain from public discourse on the topic, as “the United States doesn’t want escalation.” This decision reflects a careful diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding heightened tensions.

Zelenskyy came to Washington after weeks of calls for Tomahawks, hoping to capitalise on Trump’s growing frustration with Putin after a summit in Alaska failed to produce a breakthrough.
But the Ukrainian left empty-handed as Trump eyes a fresh diplomatic breakthrough on the back of last week’s Gaza peace deal.

Following a two-and-a-half-hour conversation with Putin on Thursday, Trump appeared notably more optimistic about the possibility of reaching an agreement. Both leaders have committed to a forthcoming meeting in Budapest, signaling a potential step forward in diplomatic relations.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the war over with, without thinking about Tomahawks,” Trump told journalists as he hosted Zelenskyy at the White House.

Drones for Tomahawks?

Zelenskyy said he would be ready to swap “thousands” of Ukrainian drones in exchange for Tomahawks.
Kyiv has made extensive use of drones since Russia invaded in February 2022.
Zelenskyy also congratulated Trump on his recent Middle East peace deal in Gaza and expressed hope that he would do the same for Ukraine.

“I hope that President Trump can manage it,” he said.

‘Many questions’

Diplomatic talks on ending Russia’s invasion have stalled since the Alaska summit.

The Kremlin on Friday said “many questions” needed resolving before Putin and Trump could meet, including who would be on each negotiating team.

US President Trump, Russian President Putin meet in Alaska

A meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska in August failed to result in a breakthrough. Source: EPA / Gavrill Grigorov

But it brushed off suggestions that Putin would have difficulty flying over European airspace.

Hungary said it would ensure Putin could enter and “hold successful talks” with the US despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes.

Trump frustrations

Since the start of his second term, Trump’s position on the Ukraine war has shifted dramatically back and forth.

Initially, Trump and Putin reached out to each other as the US leader derided Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections”.

Tensions came to a head in February, when Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart of “not having the cards” in a rancorous televised meeting at the Oval Office.
Relations between the two have since warmed as Trump has expressed growing frustration with Putin.
But Trump has kept a channel of dialogue open with Putin, saying that they “get along”.

The US leader has repeatedly changed his position on sanctions and other steps against Russia following calls with the Russian president.

Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, describing it as a “special military operation” to demilitarise the country and prevent the expansion of NATO.
Kyiv and its European allies say the war is an illegal land grab that has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian and military casualties and widespread destruction.
Russia now occupies around a fifth of Ukrainian territory — much of it ravaged by fighting.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Tragic Incident in Minnesota: Federal Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting Raises Concerns

Federal officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis amid the…

Australia Braces for Intense Weather: Heatwaves, Bushfires, and a Tropical Cyclone Expected Over Long Weekend

As Australians gear up for a long weekend, severe weather alerts have…

Intense Manhunt Ignites Small Town: Possible Triple Murder Suspect Spotted

A once-quiet remote outpost has now become the center of a major…
An emergency bushfire warning has been issued for a blaze burning in south-west Victoria..

Urgent Alert: Victorians Brace for Intensified Bushfires Amid Scorching Heatwave

Residents in Victoria’s south-west are being told to take shelter immediately after…
Tropical Cyclone Luana

Breaking: Tropical Cyclone Luana Makes Impactful Landfall on Western Australia Coastline

As night falls, residents of Kimberley brace themselves for the wild weather…
Nicole "La Nicholette" Pardo is seen in an image released by the Sinaloa Attorney General's Office after a viral video appears to show her being abudcted at gunpoint.

Influencer’s Shocking Abduction Caught on Camera: Found Safe and Sound – The Full Story

An influencer with dual US-Mexican citizenship, who vanished earlier this week in…
Julian Ingram

Police Investigate Possible Julian Ingram Sighting in Western NSW Amid Triple Murder Case

Authorities have descended on a site in western New South Wales following…

Albanese Appoints Distinguished Successor to Rudd as U.S. Ambassador

Greg Moriarty, the head of Australia’s Defence Department, has been named as…
Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australia's first astronaut.

Australia’s First Astronaut Delivers Inspiring Message as Australian of the Year

When Katherine Bennell-Pegg was prompted at school to jot down three potential…

Zelenskyy’s Critique: Are European Leaders Prepared to Challenge Trump’s Influence?

European leaders can breathe a temporary sigh of relief as President Donald…
Australia Day is a national public holiday but many retail workers will still be hard at work.

Discover What’s Open on Australia Day: Your Ultimate Guide

While Australia Day is celebrated as a nationwide public holiday, retail staff…
Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty replaces Kevin Rudd as Australia's US ambassador

Greg Moriarty Appointed as Australia’s New Ambassador to the US, Succeeding Kevin Rudd

Department of Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia’s…