President Donald J. Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House on October 17, 2025, marking their latest diplomatic meeting amid ongoing efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The two leaders were seen arriving at the White House, standing side by side before a display of U.S. and Ukrainian flags. During the brief press exchange, a reporter asked President Trump whether he believed he could convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.

Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a swift resolution, emphasizing diplomacy and negotiation over military escalation. He reportedly rejected Zelensky’s renewed request for U.S. Tomahawk missiles, saying his focus remains on “ending the war, not expanding it.”

Zelensky, however, continued to press for stronger defense support, arguing that additional long-range capabilities were necessary to deter further Russian aggression. The meeting underscored the differing approaches between Washington and Kyiv—Trump’s push for immediate peace versus Zelensky’s call for sustained military aid.