Unexpected Putin-Trump Call Puts Zelensky on Edge Before White House Meeting

Sat Oct 18 2025 10:26:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A surprise phone call between Trump and Putin discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine could impact Zelensky's critical meeting with the US President, amid escalating attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure.

In a surprising turn of events, a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing the war in Ukraine has raised concerns for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of his anticipated meeting with Trump. The call, which occurred during a significant uptick in Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, has left Zelensky hoping for increased military support, particularly for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which Trump had previously indicated could be a possibility. Yet, following the call, many speculate how this could alter the dynamics of U.S. aid to Ukraine, as pressure mounts from both the ongoing war and political negotiations.

News of the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, in which they agreed to meet in person to discuss the war in Ukraine, will have come as an unwelcome surprise to Kyiv.

The country is being hit hard. The last 24 hours alone have seen Russia launch dozens of missiles and more than 300 drones at multiple targets.

Attacks on the electrical grid are already leading to nationwide power outages. For Ukraine's government, the situation is a sign of Russian desperation.

The frontlines are at an effective stalemate, with huge losses for minimal territorial gains on both sides.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's hope is to secure increased American military assistance to sustain pressure on Russia. Just before boarding his plane to Washington, he seemed optimistic, speculating that Trump might start viewing the conflict through Ukraine’s lens—a significant shift from earlier accusations made by Trump that Zelensky was 'gambling with World War Three.'

With high hopes for Friday's meeting to yield the approval for Tomahawk missile purchases, Zelensky was caught off-guard by the timing of the Trump-Putin call, occurring while he was en route.

Trump indicated frustration towards Putin on Sunday, conveying that Russia wouldn’t welcome Tomahawk missiles aimed in their direction. However, disagreements remain among military experts regarding how effective these missiles would truly be, potentially delaying their deployment.

Even if acquired, such missiles would empower Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory and serve as a stern message to Putin regarding U.S. commitment to Ukraine.

Amid an escalating war and winter on the horizon, the diplomatic chess game intensifies as Zelensky navigates his crucial meeting in Washington, juggling hopes for military support against the backdrop of renewed Russia-U.S. dialogue.

As Zelensky arrives in Washington and engages with defense contractors, he continues to push for the critical weaponry he believes is essential for Ukraine's defense.

However, the landscape remains fraught with uncertainty as diplomatic dynamics shift following the Putin-Trump conversation. For Ukraine, the stakes have never been higher.