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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal that Russia and Ukraine halt fighting and “stop where they are” to begin peace negotiations.
“He is right. President is right, and we have to stop where we are,” Zelenskyy told reporters after meeting Trump at the White House. “This is important, to stop where we are and then to speak.”
Trump described his meeting with Zelenskyy as “very interesting and cordial” in a post on Truth Social, calling on both Moscow and Kyiv to “stop the killing and make a deal.”
“They should stop where they are. Let both claim victory, let history decide,” Trump said.
Zelenskyy said the meeting with Trump was “productive,” noting that the talks covered air defense and production issues. “We spoke about long range, of course,” he said. “We decided that we don’t speak about it because nobody wants—I mean, the U.S. doesn’t want this.”
Asked if he was optimistic about acquiring U.S. Tomahawk long-range missiles, Zelenskyy said, “I am realistic,” adding that both sides agreed not to share details publicly.
He said Ukraine needs Tomahawk missiles and offered thousands of Ukrainian-made drones in exchange.
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy said he held additional talks with European and NATO partners about securing defense guarantees and reiterated Kyiv’s reliance on U.S. leadership. “We count on the leadership of the U.S.,” he said.
Trump has said both Ukraine and Russia “want to end the war” and announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary to discuss a potential peace deal.
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