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President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday to focus on ending the nearly three-year war with Russia, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The leaders are expected to discuss ways to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter peace negotiations. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, launching a full-scale war that has devastated the country and tested global alliances. The visit will be Zelenskyy’s third trip to the White House since Trump took office in January.
President Trump and Zelenskyy have had a rocky relationship, particularly during Zelenskyy’s initial visit on Feb. 28, when he was told to leave the White House following a tense exchange with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. Relations have since improved.
The president recently met with Putin in Alaska and has grown increasingly frustrated with the Russian leader’s refusal to end the conflict. Over the weekend, President Trump and Zelenskyy spoke about the possibility of NATO allies purchasing U.S.-made long-range Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine and broader efforts to reach a settlement.
Zelenskyy said he spoke with President Trump twice in two days about “strengthening of Kyiv’s air defense, resilience, and long-range capabilities.”
“We also discussed many details related to the energy sector. President Trump is well informed about everything that is happening,” Zelenskyy said on X. “We agreed to continue our dialogue, and our teams are doing their preparations.”
Trump on Sunday warned Russia that he may supply long-range missiles to Ukraine if Moscow does not move toward ending the war — signaling a potential increase in pressure on the Kremlin using one of the U.S. military’s most powerful weapons.
“I might say, Look: If this war is not going to get settled, I’m going to send them Tomahawks,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to Israel. “The Tomahawk is an incredible weapon, very offensive weapon. And honestly, Russia does not need that.”
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would use Tomahawk missiles only for military purposes and would not target Russian civilians if the United States provided them.
Ukraine is also seeking additional U.S. support as Russian forces step up attacks on energy infrastructure and advance along parts of the front line.
