Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Oct 16: President Donald Trump spoke Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he prepares for an Oct. 17 White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reportedly weighing the possibility of supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles.

Trump, in a Truth Social post, described the conversation with Putin as “lengthy” and said he would report its contents afterward. The discussion follows Trump’s recent Middle East visit, where he celebrated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza.

Earlier this week, Trump indicated he might escalate U.S. military support to Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, stating, “I might have to speak to Russia about Tomahawks. Do they want Tomahawks going in their direction? I don't think so.” He added that he had informed Zelenskyy of the potential step, calling it “a new step of aggression.”

Trump’s prior face-to-face meeting with Putin in Alaska in mid-August failed to advance peace negotiations. Subsequent discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders highlighted the complex diplomatic challenges of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.