Washington, D.C. — A recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, especially as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to advocate for military support during his visit to the White House. The conversation appears to have dampened Ukraine’s expectations of receiving Tomahawk missiles, a critical armament that could significantly enhance its strike capabilities against Russian forces.

Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Trump for lunch on Friday, with the impending discussion likely centered on military assistance amid ongoing conflict with Russia. In the lead-up to this meeting, Trump had indicated a willingness to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks, a weapon that would allow for long-range attacks. However, following the call with Putin, Trump suggested that the U.S. cannot afford to deplete its own missile stockpile, signaling a potential shift in support.

During the call, Putin reportedly urged Trump against providing Ukraine with the missiles, emphasizing that such a move would worsen U.S.-Russia relations without altering the battlefield dynamics. Trump’s remarks after the conversation suggested that he might tread lightly, stating, “I don’t know what we can do about that,” highlighting a reluctance to prioritize Ukraine’s military needs over domestic considerations.

This exchange reflects a familiar pattern in the relationship between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. Historically, moments when Trump appeared ready to back Ukraine have often been followed by a pullback after talks with the Russian leader. The recent call, lasting over two hours, appears to have reversed momentum for Zelenskyy right before their meeting, limiting the likelihood of significant U.S. support for Ukraine at this juncture.

Trump, who has plans to meet Putin in Budapest in the coming weeks, added that he would communicate the details of his discussion with the Russian leader to Zelenskyy during their face-to-face meeting. An announcement regarding this summit indicated intentions to negotiate an end to the war, although logistics remain murky due to ongoing international sanctions against Russia and concerns surrounding Putin’s potential arrest under international law.

Hungary’s foreign minister expressed confidence that Putin would receive a warm welcome, asserting the country’s autonomy in hosting what he described as a potential peace summit. However, questions linger over how Putin could navigate to Hungary given flight restrictions and the implications of his ICC warrant.

Although some Ukrainian officials tried to frame Putin’s outreach in a positive light, suggesting it reflects Moscow’s anxiety over increased military support for Kyiv, many in Ukraine are likely apprehensive. Zelenskyy’s visit comes at a time when the prospect of direct negotiations with Putin seems increasingly complicated. Trump indicated that if direct talks between the two leaders remain unfeasible, alternatives may be explored—differing from Zelenskyy’s earlier calls for face-to-face discussions.

While Trump expressed some optimism about the potential for peace, U.S. Vice President JD Vance offered a more cautious viewpoint, indicating that readiness for a settlement is currently lacking on both sides. He characterized the current outlook as a “misalignment of expectations,” further complicating prospects for a positive resolution to the conflict.

As Zelenskyy engages with U.S. leaders and defense contractors in Washington, the outcome of his discussions with Trump remains uncertain, especially in light of the recent developments with Putin. The intricacies of this diplomatic triangle reflect not only the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe but also the delicate balance of international relations that continues to shape the conflict’s trajectory.