US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, following a two-and-a-half-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the meeting, Trump called for both nations to halt the ongoing war and find a resolution.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the meeting with Zelensky as “very interesting and cordial” and urged that both Russia and Ukraine “stop where they are” and “claim victory.” He emphasised the heavy human and financial toll of the conflict, stating, “No more shooting, no more death, no more vast and unsustainable sums of money spent.” Trump added that this war “would have never started if I were President,” urging leaders to return to peace and normalcy.

The US President also addressed military support to Ukraine. While Zelensky pressed for Tomahawk missiles, Trump indicated a preference for avoiding further escalation, saying, “We are in it to get the war over… we need Tomahawks for our own security, but would much rather have the war be over.” The Ukrainian President maintained that advanced weapons, including Tomahawks, are essential for defending Ukrainian territory and countering Russian forces.

Trump asserted that Russian President Putin “wants to end the war,” while Zelensky expressed skepticism about Moscow’s intentions. Trump confirmed plans to meet Putin in Budapest in the coming months and mentioned a team of US advisors, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will coordinate with Russian officials to prepare for the next summit.

The proposed dialogue follows Trump’s recent involvement in ending the Gaza conflict and reflects his renewed focus on brokering peace in Ukraine. Critics, however, including House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Gregory Meeks, have questioned the effectiveness of Trump’s approach, describing it as appeasement rather than peace through strength.