Overview
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, but Trump did not approve a transfer, with CNN and Axios reporting the weapons are withheld for now.
- Trump publicly urged Russia and Ukraine to halt fighting and freeze positions, writing that both sides should “stop where you are” and make a deal to end the war.
- Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin before the meeting and announced plans to meet him in Budapest within about two weeks, a session expected to proceed without Zelenskyy.
- The Washington Post reported that Putin floated a deal requiring Ukraine to cede Donezk in exchange for parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while the Financial Times and Reuters cited insiders alleging Trump pressed Zelenskyy to consider concessions.
- Zelenskyy briefed European leaders after the visit, drew renewed pledges of support and calls for a peace plan, and said Ukraine would not give territory as he accused Moscow of using talks to buy time.