'Curbing Terror Can End War': Zelenskyy In US For Talks With Donald Trump On Defence, Weapons

Last Updated:October 17, 2025, 08:01 IST

Zelenskyy arrived in Washington to seek a major new US arms package, and expressed hope that the recent Middle East peace momentum could help end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy with Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington on Thursday, expressing optimism that the momentum from the Middle East peace deal could help bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“Tomorrow, a meeting with President (Donald) Trump is scheduled, and we expect that the momentum of curbing terror and war that succeeded in the Middle East will help to end Russia’s war against Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

“The language of strength and justice will inevitably work against Russia," he added.

Zelenskyy is set to meet Donald Trump on Friday to discuss a major new arms package that could include US-made long-range Tomahawk missiles, capable of reaching Moscow from Ukrainian territory.

“We can already see that Moscow is rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks," Zelenskyy said, noting that he will also meet with US defence companies to discuss additional supplies of air defence systems crucial for Ukraine’s protection.

The Ukrainian President’s arrival in the US came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise phone call with Trump, warning that supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles would “endanger peace efforts."

Following the conversation, Trump and Putin agreed to hold another summit, potentially in Budapest, in the coming weeks.

Zelenskyy’s Washington visit follows days of intense diplomacy. On October 13, he announced that he would meet Trump in the US capital to discuss Ukraine’s air defence and long-range strike capabilities.

The two leaders also spoke over the weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, as discussions intensified over the potential provision of the Tomahawks.

A Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko had already arrived in Washington to prepare for the talks.

Kyiv has been lobbying Washington for months to supply the US-produced missiles, which Ukrainian officials insist would be used strictly against military targets.

Moscow, however, has called the move a “serious escalation."

Zelenskyy revealed that he had already shared Ukraine’s assessment of its defence needs with Trump.

“Frankly, I’ve already shared our vision with Trump… but some of these things are not for a phone conversation, so we’ll meet," he told reporters in Kyiv.

Trump has publicly stated that he is considering sending Tomahawks to Ukraine, but has also indicated he might speak directly with Putin before making a final decision.

At the same time, Ukraine and the US are closing in on a landmark drone deal that would see Kyiv share drone technology with Washington, an agreement that European diplomats believe could help keep the US President engaged and supportive of Ukraine’s war effort.

In addition to military cooperation, Zelenskyy said he would meet representatives of US energy companies to discuss Ukraine’s urgent energy needs amid shifting Russian tactics targeting its infrastructure.

Russian forces have stepped up strikes on Ukrainian gas production sites and power grids in recent weeks, forcing Kyiv to consider importing electricity for the first time in months. Ukraine, in turn, has intensified retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries, contributing to gasoline shortages across Russia.

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Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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