US President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he is speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a “lengthy” conversation. Trump said he and Putin would each announce the content of the call once it was concluded.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I’m talking to President Putin now. The conversation is ongoing, it’s long, and at the end of it I will report on the content, as will President Putin.”
The interview comes just before Trump’s planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. During the meeting, the leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of the US providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles to bolster its defenses against Russian aggression.
Strategic implications
Trump has signaled growing frustration with Putin in recent weeks, criticizing the Russian leader for failing to seriously negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a statement to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested he might talk to Russia first before approving missile access for Ukraine.
Potential outcomes
Discussions with both Putin and Zelensky highlight the administration’s active involvement in attempts to mediate the conflict while balancing U.S. military support for Ukraine.
How these negotiations develop could affect the timing and extent of military assistance, including advanced missile systems, to Ukrainian forces.
Trump signals potential Tomahawk missile support for Ukraine
Trump has hinted that the United States could supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could enable strikes against targets in Russia.
Speaking on Air Force One on Oct. 13, Trump said, “Maybe not, but we can do it. I think it’s appropriate to mention — yes, I want to. I want the war to settle.”
Trump also confirmed ongoing weekend talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding potential missile support:
Russian answer
Russia has strongly warned against the supply of such weapons. President Vladimir Putin called the potential move a “qualitative new phase of escalation”, while former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned:
“It could end badly for everyone, and primarily for Trump himself.”
Zelensky’s delegation and focus
Zelenskyy is visiting the US with a delegation that includes Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and National Security Chief Rustem Umerov. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, energy resilience and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, said on X: “The goal of the high-level talks is to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, ensure our energy resilience and intensify sanctions pressure on the aggressor.”
Zelensky emphasized the strategic needs
In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs advanced air defense systems and long-range weapons: “We need real air defense. And the second point is to have long weapons, long-range capabilities.”
Zelenskyy also referred to the recent peace deal between Israel and Hamas brokered by Trump as a source of hope: “The peace deal between Israel and Hamas gave my country hope – after Trump told me that the Ukraine war is more difficult (to end), that it is a bigger war.”
