Trump Blocks Ukraine From Receiving Tomahawk Missiles, Urges Zelensky to Make Deal With Russia

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House and moved to withhold long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

“The Tribune, currently published from Chandigarh, was founded on February 2, 1881, in Lahore by philanthropist Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia”

Tribune India

Trump urged Kyiv to consider a negotiated end to the war with Russia.

Tribune India

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that Trump indicated the US would not provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

He suggested both sides stop where they are so both could claim victory and let history decide the outcome.

France 24 highlights Trump’s warning that supplying Tomahawks could escalate the conflict and strain U.S. resources.

Meanwhile, Zelensky proposed a drones-for-missiles swap.

The Straits Times describes Zelensky’s offer of thousands of Ukrainian drones in exchange after Trump and Vladimir Putin agreed to a new Budapest summit.

The New York Post notes Trump cast himself as a mediator president who hoped to avoid actually using Tomahawks.

The Independent adds that Trump cautioned such transfers risk a bigger escalation as he prepares to meet Putin in Budapest.

Whether Trump truly blocked the missiles depends on the source.

Some describe a firm refusal, while others mention a pause or hedging.

The Independent

Japan Times states Trump declined to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles.

This aligns with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s report that he would not provide them.

By contrast, El País writes he urged both sides to stop fighting and declare victory.

El País also notes he remained hesitant but did not fully close the door.

CBC says Trump initially showed openness but appeared to withdraw support for the sale after Putin warned the transfer would harm relations without impacting the battlefield.

Sky News adds Trump believes Tomahawks could help end the war swiftly, even as no agreement was made.

Zelensky sought to sweeten the deal by offering a drones-for-missiles exchange and broader cooperation.

“Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed opposition to Ukraine's planned military offensive”

South China Morning Post

However, U.S. caution persisted amid European anxieties and Russian warnings.

The Kyiv Independent details a prospective “Mega Deal” and a “Drone Deal,” with Trump stopping short of committing to supplying Tomahawks due to escalation fears.

Eastern Daily Press reports Zelensky offered advanced Ukrainian drones in exchange and even proposed energy cooperation to store American LNG in Ukraine.

Hürriyet Daily News and CBC both note Putin’s warning that Tomahawks would damage relations without altering the battlefield.

The London Evening Standard says Europe worries that Trump’s peace-broker posture and reluctance on Tomahawks could yield a potential deal favoring Russia.

Gulf News writes that Trump supported the drone-for-Tomahawk idea but hesitated over limited U.S. missile stock.

Trump pressed a ceasefire-first diplomacy, repeatedly telling both sides to accept current lines while preparing a Budapest summit with Putin.

Zelensky greeted this posture warily.

Sky News

IANS LIVE quotes Trump’s call to “stop where they are” and “claim victory” and his plan for a “second meeting with Putin in Budapest.”

The Fairfield Sun Times echoes that Trump urged a deal based on accepting current frontlines.

The BBC notes he was non-committal on missiles, doubted Ukraine could reclaim all territory, and that Zelensky and European leaders identified Putin as the main barrier to peace.

The Independent reports Trump warned about a bigger escalation from missile transfers even as he announced Budapest talks and expressed hope he could persuade Putin to end the conflict.

Trump is balancing multiple theaters and optics by citing a Gaza truce, elevating Melania Trump's humanitarian outreach, and warning of escalation and stockpile strain.

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CBS News

European skepticism about his actions persists.

CBS News

CNN reports that Trump played a surprising role in brokering a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas and often considers strong measures against Russia before pulling back.

CBS News adds that Melania Trump is working with Russian officials to help return Ukrainian children.

CBS also notes that Trump proposed a drones-for-Tomahawks exchange while warning it might escalate the war.

The Telegraph highlights Melania Trump's involvement in reuniting Ukrainian children alongside allies frustrated by delayed missile deliveries.

The Mirror emphasizes Trump's fear of escalating the war, possibly to a nuclear level.

Time Magazine underscores that Trump reversed his earlier support for sending Tomahawks due to depleting U.S. stockpiles and concerns about escalating the conflict.