Donald Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin in a high-stakes phone call on Thursday, pressing the Russian president to end his war on Ukraine. The conversation comes as Trump escalates diplomatic pressure with threats to arm Ukraine with powerful long-range missiles if Putin refuses peace negotiations.
The call precedes Trump's White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. This marks their fourth face-to-face encounter this year, with their relationship warming significantly since a tense February meeting where Trump told Zelensky "you don't have the cards."
Tomahawk missiles as leverage
Trump has threatened to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles if Putin continues blocking peace efforts. The weapons have a 2,500-kilometre range and warheads weighing nearly half a ton, capable of striking deep into Russian territory including Moscow.
"I might say, 'Look: if this war is not going to get settled, I'm going to send them Tomahawks'," Trump told reporters on Wednesday. He described the missiles as "incredible" and said Ukraine wants "to go offensive."
Trump's confidence appears boosted by his recent success brokering a Gaza ceasefire, now turning his attention to Ukraine. The Manchester Evening News reports this diplomatic momentum as Trump tackles his campaign promise to end global conflicts.
Putin criticism intensifies
Trump has sharply criticised Putin's handling of the war, saying it was "making him look very bad." He questioned Putin's strategy on Tuesday, stating: "I don't know why he continues with this war, he should have won that war in one week."
"He just doesn't want to end that war. And I think it's making him look very bad," Trump added. He praised Ukraine's resilience, noting: "I give credit because who would think that Ukraine could have fought Russia for four years to essentially a standstill."
Friday's crucial meeting
Zelensky will press Trump for advanced weaponry during Friday's White House meeting, including vital Patriot air defence systems. The Ukrainian president said on Wednesday that tools like Patriots and Tomahawks can "help lay a long-term foundation for peace."
The diplomatic push comes as the Ukraine war approaches its fourth year. Trump's current pressure campaign follows a failed Alaska summit with Putin in August, according to the Daily Mail, adding urgency to current negotiations.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail", "Guardian"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
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