The Ukrainian president is expected to ask for potentially game-changing long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russia. Trump had seemed open to the idea in the lead-up to the summit.
Trump hailed “great progress” after wrapping up his call with Putin, and will now hold another in-person meeting with Putin in Hungary at an unspecified date, after August’s summit in Alaska failed to yield tangible results.
Trump is set begin a flurry of diplomatic activity on Friday aimed at ending Russia’s invasion. After meeting Zelensky and his officials, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Russian officials next week, Trump said on Truth Social.
Zelensky arrives at White HouseDonald Trump greeted Zelensky arriving at the White House.
The pair spoke briefly and Trump gestured to the press before heading inside.
James Reynolds17 October 2025 18:30
Tomahawks still on the table after Putin call, sources sayThe provision of highly sought-after Tomahawk missiles is not off the table following Trump’s call with Putin on Thursday, sources familiar with the conversation told CNN.
Two sources said that Trump is still not expected to commit to giving Ukraine the missiles during the meeting with Zelensky on Friday.
But U.S. sources told the outlet the president has appeared more willing to allow Ukraine access in recent weeks.
James Reynolds17 October 2025 18:23
Ukrainian team confirmed as marines line up for Zelensky’s arrivalA spokesperson for the Ukrainian delegation confirmed that the team arriving with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Blair House, includes:
– Head of the Office of the President, Andrii Yermak
– Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov
– First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sergiy Kyslytsya
– Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna
As of now, the Cabinet Room meeting between President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy remains closed press, with no updates or changes in access so far.
Moments ago, several people were seen entering the West Wing carrying large bags or packages, though it is unclear whether they were related to the Ukrainian delegation’s materials or to advance arrangements.
The U.S. Marine sentries are already stationed outside the West Wing entrance, where the American and Ukrainian flags are displayed in preparation for the bilateral meeting.
Andrew Feinberg17 October 2025 18:13
Trump meets with Andrea Bocelli ahead of Zelensky summitGearing up for his imminent meeting with President Zelensky, Donald Trump joined with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in the Oval Office.
‘Con te partirò’, first performed by Bocelli, rang out as preparations were being made for Zelensky’s arrival.
It wasn’t clear why Trump was holding the meeting at the White House shortly before he was due to meet with Ukraine’s president.
A White House aide posted a photo of Trump meeting with Bocelli in the Oval Office while Bocelli’s music blared from speakers in the Rose Garden.
The music could be heard on the North Lawn, where Zelenskyy was due to arrive any moment.
James Reynolds17 October 2025 18:08
Pictures of Zelensky stepping off the plane in Washington DC
(X/@ZelenskyyUa)
(X/@ZelenskyyUa)
(X/@ZelenskyyUa)Sam Rkaina17 October 2025 18:03
Trump and Zelensky set to meet at the White House shortly The US president and Ukraine’s leader are set to meet at the White House shortly.
While the two leaders have met several times since their infamous clash in February, it is the first two the two presidents have been face face at the Oval Office since then.
Volodymr Zelensky will be hoping for a more welcoming reception than last time as he hopes to lobby for US support in the ongoing war.
(AFP via Getty Images)Sam Rkaina17 October 2025 17:53
Watch live: Trump meets Zelensky at White HouseJames Reynolds17 October 2025 17:51
What did Putin and Trump talk about on Thursday?Donald Trump seemed receptive to the idea of giving Ukraine Tomahawk missiles earlier this week.
The missiles would bolster Kyiv’s ability to strike deep into Russia.
But Vladimir Putin threw a curveball with a surprise phone call on Thursday, a day before Trump and Zelensky were due to meet in Washington.
Coming off the call, Trump revealed plans to meet with Putin in Budapest “within two weeks or so”.
He said that “high-level” advisers from both sides would meet next week. The aim, Trump said, was to bring an end to the war.
Without going into much detail, Trump said: “I thought it was a very good phone call. Very productive.”
Trump said that the topic of Tomahawks had come up, and that he had joked to Putin: “Would you mind if I gave a couple of thousands of Tomahawks to your opposition? [sic]”
He said Putin “didn’t like that idea”. Trump suggested the US couldn’t deplete its own reserves by giving them away.
James Reynolds17 October 2025 16:52
Ukraine must be involved in any decisions made at Trump-Putin meeting – German foreign ministerGerman foreign minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday the planned Budapest talks between US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin are a second attempt to get Putin to negotiate seriously, but stressed that Ukraine must be involved in any decision.
Mr Wadephul made the remarks during his visit to Ankara, where he met his Turkish counterpart.
Ukraine has not been invited to the Trump-Putin talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet Trump later on Friday.
Alex Croft17 October 2025 16:27
Watch: Putin’s mini-coup in the White House has beaten Zelensky to the punch with TrumpTomahawk missiles are Trump’s ace card for Ukraine – Zelensky says it’s time to play itAlex Croft17 October 2025 16:07
