On Thursday, October 16, Donald Trump phone‑called Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced a forthcoming European meeting, and outlined a series of talks to address the Ukraine conflict.
Trump‑Putin Phone Conversation
President Trump said the call was “very productive” and praised Vladimir Putin for congratulating the Russian leader on a Middle East agreement he described as a “long‑awaited dream.” Trump added that success in that region could aid negotiations to end the war with Russia and Ukraine, and noted Putin’s commendation of Melania Trump for her work helping Ukrainian children relocated to Russia. The leaders also discussed the prospects for post‑war trade between the United States and Russia.
Planned European Meeting
Trump announced that next week a summit of senior U.S. and Russian advisers will be held, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though the venue has yet to be finalized. He noted that he and Putin plan to meet in an agreed location—Budapest—to assess whether an end to the “infamous” war on the eastern border can be achieved. Trump also said he intends to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office to review the conversation and other matters.
Discussion of Tomahawk Missiles
During a call with President Zelensky on Sunday, October 12, Trump discussed the possibility of supplying U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. He acknowledged the need to talk to Russia about the missiles but stated he would not aim them at Russia. Trump described Tomahawks as a new stage of aggression and offered to send them if the war does not conclude.
