President Donald Trump is engaged in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he prepares for a critical in-person meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. The call occurs amid the latest wave of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy sites, which have intensified concerns over the war’s trajectory. According to reports, the strikes have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, including vital energy systems, in the early hours of Thursday morning. Zelenskyy has made it clear that securing long-range precision-guided Tomahawk missiles is a top priority, as these weapons could provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage by enabling strikes on Russia’s military and oil installations, which play a significant role in its war economy.
Trump, who has previously indicated he would speak with Putin on the issue of arming Ukraine, confirmed on his social media platform that the conversation is ongoing. The call comes days after he had suggested he would engage with Putin to address the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and foreign policy experts. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is set to meet with Trump and U.S. defense and energy officials in Washington to discuss how to intensify pressure on Putin through sanctions and long-range military capabilities. Trump has not yet confirmed whether he will approve the delivery of Tomahawk missiles, but his frustration with Russia’s continued aggression underscores the high stakes of the talks. The White House, however, has not ruled out the possibility of a direct exchange of views between the leaders as part of diplomatic efforts to manage the war.
Russian state media has warned that the provision of such advanced weaponry to Ukraine could lead to a dangerous escalation, with potential repercussions for global stability. In a separate development, Zelenskyy highlighted the toll of the ongoing conflict, noting that more than 300 drones and 37 missiles had been deployed across Ukraine, with a significant number being ballistic in nature. The strikes have targeted not only frontline areas but also critical energy infrastructure, including the western-central city of Vinnytsia, where casualties and damage have been reported. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for continued international pressure, particularly through sanctions and military support, to counter Russia’s refusal to de-escalate the war. As the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy approaches, the outcome of these diplomatic efforts could have significant implications for the future of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.