<h3 data-start="201" data-end="267">Trump tells Zelensky to halt fighting, rejects Tomahawk plea</h3>
At a tense White House meeting, <a title="US Russia Ukraine War" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/alaska-talks-a-turning-point-or-false-dawn-/17858" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US</a> President Donald Trump and <a title="Ukraine Russia War" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/nato-ministers-urged-to-boost-ukraine-support/20888" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ukraine&rsquo;s</a> President Volodymyr Zelensky found themselves at odds over the direction of the war against Russia.
Zelensky arrived in Washington seeking long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to reinforce Ukraine&rsquo;s counteroffensive. However, Trump appeared to dismiss the request, saying that it was &ldquo;not easy&rdquo; for Washington to provide &ldquo;massive numbers of very powerful weapons.&rdquo;
After the meeting, Trump described the talks as &ldquo;very interesting and cordial&rdquo; but reiterated his stance that it was &ldquo;time to stop the killing and make a deal.&rdquo; He suggested that both Russia and Ukraine &ldquo;should stop where they are,&rdquo; allowing each side to &ldquo;claim victory&rdquo; and end the bloodshed.
Trump, who spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin just days earlier in an hours-long call, said he believed the fighting could end soon. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re in it to see that end and if we can end it quickly, and I think we can&hellip; we have a good chance,&rdquo; he said.
ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/putin-to-trump-russia-open-to-ukraine-settlement/21005
The shift in tone comes after Trump&rsquo;s earlier remarks signalling openness to supplying long-range missiles to Kyiv. Following his conversation with Putin, however, Trump appeared more cautious, citing concerns about depleting America&rsquo;s own stockpile. &ldquo;We need Tomahawks and a lot of other things we&rsquo;ve been sending to Ukraine,&rdquo; he said.
For Zelensky, who continues to reject any ceasefire that legitimises Russian control over occupied territories, Trump&rsquo;s call for compromise could mark a major diplomatic setback.

At the White House, Trump urges ceasefire as Zelensky presses for long-range missiles

Trump tells Zelensky it’s time for a deal

At the White House, Trump urges ceasefire as Zelensky presses for long-range missiles

October 18, 2025 | 14:57 IST