US President Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, according to media reports, ahead of a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House.
The planned call between Trump and Putin was first reported by Axios.
The conversation comes amid Trump’s growing frustration with the Russian leader’s refusal to end the war in Ukraine or meet directly with Zelenskiy for peace talks.
The Ukrainian president, who arrives in Washington later this week, is expected to press Trump for additional advanced weaponry during their Friday meeting.
Trump considers leveraging Tomahawk Missiles
In recent weeks, Trump has signalled a more aggressive stance toward Moscow, urging US allies to halt Russian energy purchases and suggesting that Ukraine could gain access to long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Tomahawks, among the most advanced weapons in the US arsenal, would enable Kyiv to strike deeper into Russian territory—a move that would mark a significant escalation in American support.
Moscow has warned that any such transfer would be viewed as a provocation.
Trump indicated over the weekend that he intends to use the threat of supplying Tomahawks as leverage in his discussion with Putin.
“I might say, ‘Look, if the war’s not going to get settled, I may send them Tomahawks,’” Trump said.
Zelenskiy’s agenda: defence and energy support
Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington will also include meetings with members of Congress, military officials, and energy executives.
The Ukrainian leader is expected to seek enhanced air defence systems and immediate energy assistance as Russia intensifies its strikes on Ukraine’s power and water infrastructure ahead of winter.
Moscow’s recent attacks are seen as part of a broader strategy to demoralise the Ukrainian population during the colder months.
Analysts believe that long-range retaliatory capabilities could bolster Ukraine’s position in future negotiations with Russia.
Strained diplomacy and slow sanctions
Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly promised to end Russia’s war in Ukraine swiftly.
However, despite multiple calls with Putin and an in-person summit in Alaska in August, a breakthrough has yet to emerge.
Trump has threatened sweeping new sanctions to compel Moscow to negotiate, but has largely refrained from imposing them, instead pressing European and Asian partners to halt energy imports from Russia first.
He has also demanded higher tariffs on countries continuing trade with Moscow, recently doubling duties on Indian goods to 50% to penalise New Delhi for ongoing energy purchases from Russia.
On Wednesday, Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop those imports, though India’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of such a pledge.
With tensions mounting and limited progress toward a ceasefire, Thursday’s call with Putin and Friday’s White House meeting with Zelenskiy are expected to test Trump’s diplomatic strategy as he seeks to reshape global pressure on Moscow.
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