Trump–Zelensky Meeting at the White House: Key Quotes and Takeaways
The long-awaited meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took place at the White House on Friday, with cameras capturing moments of cautious optimism, humor, and a few tense undertones regarding the future of the war in Ukraine.
Key Points from Their On-Camera Remarks
- Trump confident war will end without Tomahawks:
Opening the meeting, President Trump expressed confidence that the war between Ukraine and Russia will end — “even without the use of Tomahawk missiles.” - “Hatred” between Putin and Zelensky blocking peace:
Trump said the personal animosity between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky remains “the main factor preventing an agreement.” However, he added that he believes Putin “wants the war to end.” - Zelensky pushes back:
The Ukrainian president offered a starkly different view: “We want peace — Putin does not,” he said, urging more international pressure on Moscow. - Zelensky proposes a weapons swap:
In a notable moment, Zelensky suggested exchanging U.S. Tomahawk missiles for Ukrainian-made drones, an idea Trump confirmed is being discussed in a separate meeting later today. - Trump’s “Nobel Peace Prize” remark:
In his characteristic style, Trump quipped: “I will have ended my ninth war, but they still won’t give me the Nobel Peace Prize.”
After the televised remarks, the two delegations continued talks behind closed doors, without cameras present.
Trump on Maduro and Venezuela
During the press Q&A, Trump was asked about tensions with Venezuela. Referring to President Nicolás Maduro, he said:
“He’s offered everything. You know why? Because he doesn’t like going up against the United States.”
Zelensky on His Relationship with Trump
Zelensky commented on the evolving dynamic between the two leaders, saying:
“We’re starting to understand each other. The President is very well informed about the situation on the battlefield — and that helps a lot.”
When asked by a journalist about his now-famous suit, Zelensky joked:
“It’s the same suit because I’m meeting the same president. If the president changes, I’ll change the suit.”
Trump’s Remarks on Putin and the War
Trump reiterated his belief that Putin wants peace, saying:
“Putin and Zelensky don’t like each other, but we’ll do everything we can to bring them to the same table.”
He emphasized his determination to end the war, stating:
“This war should have been the easiest to finish, but it wasn’t. I’ll finish it — though I’ll never get the Nobel Peace Prize for it.”
Trump confirmed that Zelensky will not attend the upcoming meeting in Budapest but said he will “keep him constantly informed.”
Zelensky’s Closing Comments
The Ukrainian leader thanked Trump for U.S. mediation efforts and recent meetings with energy and defense companies, adding:
“The battlefronts are not going well for Russia — they are losing many soldiers. With your help, we will prevail.”
Timeline of Key Moments (October 17, 2025):
- 20:39: Arrival of President Zelensky at the White House
- 20:42–21:14: On-camera statements and Q&A
- 21:21: Trump’s remark on Maduro
- 21:23: End of the public session
Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, the Ukrainian leader arrived smiling and was greeted by Trump.
How will Putin get to Budapest?
It is becoming a major issue—especially on social media—how the Russian president will reach Budapest once a meeting with Donald Trump is finalized. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, EU airspace has been closed to all Russian aircraft, including Putin’s presidential plane.
The biggest “trend” today regarding this matter is the idea that the Russian president will reach Hungary via the natural gas pipeline that connects Moscow and Budapest…
Fifteen minutes past the scheduled time, and there’s still no sign of any movement.
New Military Aid Package from Finland to Ukraine
Finland announced just a few minutes ago that it is sending a third military aid package to Ukraine within four years.
The package exceeds €50 million and involves direct contracts with the country’s defense industry on behalf of Kyiv.
Meeting with Representatives of Weapons Companies
Shortly before his meeting with Trump, Zelensky met with representatives of weapons companies.
How Putin’s “Lecture” Annoyed Trump
Trump’s decision to leave open the possibility of providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine is partly linked to his irritation over what the Russian president told him.
A report by the Financial Times states that the summit in Anchorage on August 15 ended in a heated confrontation, with Trump threatening to walk out and ultimately canceling the scheduled working lunch.
The Russian leader delivered a long historical overview, citing medieval figures such as Rurik of Novgorod and Yaroslav the Wise, attempting to support the argument that Russia and Ukraine constitute “one nation.” His stance caused significant displeasure for Trump, who reportedly raised his voice several times during the discussion.
Trump’s Schedule
According to the published agenda, President Trump will welcome President Zelensky at 13:00 local time (20:00 in Greece) and they will speak in front of cameras a quarter of an hour later from the Oval Office. Immediately afterward, at 13:15, they will attend a luncheon together.
At 15:00 (22:00 in Greece), Trump is expected to depart the White House for Palm Beach, Florida.
Three Meetings at the White House and One Crucial One at the Vatican
This is the third Trump–Zelensky meeting at the White House within nine months, but overall the two presidents have met four times, with the most decisive encounter for “bridging” the large gap that Trump himself had chosen to open being the one at Pope Francis’ funeral. There, although off the official agenda, the two men spoke for several minutes.
The first visit was disastrous, with a heated confrontation in front of cameras and surprised diplomats.
The second went much better, at least based on what was seen, although it did not yield anything substantial toward the pacification of Ukraine.
Today at 20:00 (Greek time), Volodymyr Zelensky will enter the White House for the third time this year, this time, among other things, requesting Tomahawk missiles that can strike deep into Russian territory.
Zelensky argues that using them could change the course of the war. The Russians do not believe this and say that their use by Kyiv would worsen U.S.-Russia relations.
What Trump and Putin Discussed Yesterday
Just yesterday, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had a nearly 2.5-hour phone call, dominated by the war in Ukraine and the situation afterward.
The Russian president reportedly warned his American counterpart that the Tomahawk missiles the U.S. is considering supplying to Ukraine, capable of striking Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, would not significantly affect operations on the ground. However, he added that they would damage the already fragile U.S.-Russia relations.
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