Trump, Zelensky discuss trading US Tomahawks, Ukrainian drones

The sale of United States Tomahawks and Ukrainian drones was discussed on Friday during the meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky visited the White House as he continued to seek the deployment of America’s offensive and defensive systems in the battle with Russian forces.

Trump, who commenced a spirited mediation immediately after returning to office, expressed his optimism that there’s a “big chance” of ending the war in Ukraine.

Confirming Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk missiles, which have long-range capabilities, the U.S. leader said: “We​ will rather have the war over than sell.”

Trump, however, noted that the U.S. was interested in a drone deal: “We build our own drones, but we also buy drones from others, and they make a very good drone.”

Ukraine has thousands of military drones and is regarded as a world leader in the equipment, a skill the country acquired during the 44-month war with Russia.

The latest Trump-Zelensky parley in Washington came on the heels of the U.S. president’s telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

The two leaders agreed to converge “soon” in Budapest, Hungary, for further talks on ending the conflict. It would be their second physical contact since the meeting in Anchorage, Alaska.