On 17 October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump met in Washington; the U.S. declined to promise Tomahawk missiles, while Russia floated a Bering Strait tunnel, unsettling both sides.
Ukraine‑U.S. Meeting
On 17 October, President Volodymyr Zelensky met President Donald Trump at the White House. The U.S. president declined to pledge Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, and the two leaders disagreed over their assessments of President Putin’s intentions.
During the discussion, reporters asked Trump about the Kremlin’s proposal to build a tunnel linking Russia to the United States through the Bering Strait.
Reactions to Russia’s Proposal
Trump said he would need to consider the suggestion, while Zelensky expressed that he was not pleased with the idea.
Trump summarized his response as “I thought it would not be liked,” indicating a cautious stance toward the tunnel concept.
Comments on Trump’s Actions
Russian opposition advisors urged Trump to adopt a tougher approach to Putin after Zelensky’s meeting. They argued that the Kremlin’s threat to halt Tomahawk missile aid pressured Russia, leading President Putin to initiate a phone call with Trump.
Journalist Roman Cymbaluk advised that the U.S. keep Tomahawk missiles in reserve to counter any future hesitation from Russia, suggesting the U.S. should send at least one missile to Ukraine if negotiations falter.
