Trump had met Putin in Alaska on August 15
US President Donald Trump said he had a “very productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a step towards ending the war in Ukraine.The two leaders agreed to hold a meeting of senior advisers next week, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Trump and Putin set to meet later in Budapest, Hungary. Trump said he will also meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office tomorrow.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Putin had congratulated him and the United States on the “Great Accomplishment of Peace in the Middle East,” calling it something “dreamed of for centuries.” Trump added, “I actually believe that the Success in the Middle East will help in our negotiation in attaining an end to the War with Russia/Ukraine.”
Trump also said that Putin thanked First Lady Melania Trump for her “involvement with children” and expressed appreciation for her efforts.Also read: Trump talks to Putin ahead of meet with Zelenskyy; Tomahawks on agendaEarlier today, Trump said he was holding a phone call with Putin. Trump announced the call on Truth Social, stating he would provide an update afterwards.
The conversation comes just before Trump’s scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, where missile support is expected to top the agenda. Zelenskyy has argued that equipping Kyiv with Tomahawks—capable of striking deep into Russian territory—could push Putin towards serious negotiations.On Sunday, during a visit to Israel, Trump said he intended to raise the missile issue with Putin, adding, “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so.”Also read: ‘Disappointed with Putin’: Trump slams Russian President over Ukraine war; calls conflict ‘biggest since World War II’
What are Tomahawk missiles?
Tomahawk missiles are long-range, precision-guided cruise missiles used by the US military. Developed in the 1970s, they have been a key weapon in numerous conflicts, first used in combat during the 1991 Gulf War. These missiles are launched from ships or land-based platforms and can travel over 1,000 miles at speeds of up to 550 mph, making them highly effective for striking distant targets.With advanced guidance systems, they can navigate around obstacles and avoid enemy defences. Typically, Tomahawks carry warheads equivalent to around 400 pounds of TNT. Their ability to fly at low altitudes and high speeds makes them difficult to detect by radar. These capabilities make them a valuable asset in modern warfare.
Renewed focus
Following the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Trump has shifted focus to ending the war in Ukraine, central to his 2024 re-election bid. Despite past frustrations with Putin, Trump expressed renewed confidence: “Interestingly we made progress today, because of what’s happened in the Middle East.”Trump is also weighing further economic pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy is expected to urge additional sanctions. While Trump has resisted sweeping measures, he claimed India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil—a key revenue source for Moscow.Meanwhile, the White House is quietly reviewing Senate legislation imposing heavy tariffs on Russian exports. Though Trump hasn’t publicly backed it, officials say it aligns with his foreign policy—provided it offers “complete flexibility.” Go to Source