A surprise phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday has thrown a shadow over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Washington. The two leaders agreed to meet soon to discuss the war in Ukraine, blindsiding Kyiv and complicating Zelensky’s efforts to secure new US weapons.
The timing was striking. Within just one day, Russia fired dozens of missiles and launched more than 300 drones at targets across Ukraine. Civilian sites were hit once again, damaging gas pipelines and power stations just as the cold season begins. The result: rolling blackouts and a sense of dread as another harsh winter approaches.
Russia’s strikes show weakness, not strength
To Kyiv, Moscow’s attacks reveal growing desperation. The frontlines remain largely static, with heavy casualties for small gains. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s drone raids on Russian oil depots continue to strain Russia’s economy.
Zelensky had placed high hopes on his Washington trip. Before departure, he sounded confident, convinced that the United States was edging closer to deeper support. Some of his aides even believed Trump was beginning to see the war through Ukraine’s eyes—a stark change from their tense February meeting, when Trump accused him of “gambling with World War Three.”
A deal for Tomahawks slips away
After the failed Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and Russia’s intensifying bombardment, Kyiv believed Trump’s patience with his “good friend” was wearing thin. Ukrainian officials were hopeful that Friday’s White House talks would result in approval for long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Trump’s own remarks added to that optimism. “Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don’t think so,” he told reporters earlier this week. But experts warned that even if the missiles were approved, months of logistical work would delay deployment.
Still, the symbolism was powerful. Tomahawks would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory and mark a bold new stage in America’s military commitment.
A phone call mid-flight resets the tone
The two-and-a-half-hour call between Trump and Putin took place while Zelensky was flying to Washington. The timing was no coincidence. It instantly shifted attention from Zelensky’s mission to the renewed dialogue between Moscow and Washington.
Trying to stay composed, Zelensky said Russia was “rushing to renew dialogue” out of fear of new Western weapons. Yet analysts saw it differently. The Kremlin said Moscow had requested the call, and Putin reportedly warned that the delivery of Tomahawks would be a “major provocation.”
The two leaders also discussed what Russia called “colossal prospects” for trade if peace were restored. They agreed to meet in Hungary within two weeks. Trump described the talk as “very productive.”
Ukraine prepares for another bitter winter
As the war enters its fourth winter, Ukrainians are losing faith that Trump can deliver peace. A woman wounded in a Russian strike on a train carriage summed up the sentiment from her hospital bed: “A person like Putin can’t be trusted.”
After landing in Washington, Zelensky met with defense company executives who build the advanced weapons Ukraine urgently needs. He will still press for the Tomahawks, but the chances now look remote.
A familiar pattern of persuasion
Every time Trump’s frustration with Putin peaks, a single conversation seems to cool it. The Russian leader repeatedly manages to soften Trump’s tone, easing talk of tougher sanctions or new weapons deliveries.
The upcoming Hungary summit, announced without conditions, shows that Washington’s stance remains cautious. For now, Ukraine’s hope for long-range missiles has dimmed. Instead of a breakthrough in Washington, Zelensky faces another setback—caused not by force on the battlefield, but by diplomacy at 30,000 feet.
