Washington, October 17 (Udaipur Kiran): Just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington for crucial talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, a significant geopolitical development unfolded — Trump held a two-and-a-half-hour-long phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the discussion, both leaders announced plans to meet for a second summit in Budapest within the next two weeks.
According to reports, President Zelensky’s visit aims to discuss the possible U.S. supply of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. The Kyiv Post reported that the Ukrainian leader landed in Washington on Thursday and will hold direct talks with President Trump on the issue later today.
Ukraine has been pressing the United States for Tomahawk missiles, which would place several key Russian cities within its strike range. Earlier this week, President Trump said that if Russia does not return to the negotiation table to end the war, the U.S. could consider supplying these missiles to Ukraine. However, Washington has not yet made a final decision on the matter.
The timing of the Trump-Putin phone call — just before the Trump-Zelensky meeting — underscores the diplomatic caution surrounding the missile discussions. Sources confirmed that during the detailed conversation, both leaders agreed to hold their next summit in Budapest, a venue proposed by Trump and immediately accepted by Putin.
Zelensky reacted to the development on social media, stating, “It seems Moscow becomes ready for dialogue the moment it hears about Tomahawk missiles.” He expressed optimism that recent efforts to curb terrorism and conflict in the Middle East could also help bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to The Moscow Times, the Kremlin described the Trump-Putin phone call as “clear and constructive,” confirming that preparations for the Budapest summit would begin immediately. The conversation, initiated by Russia, marks a renewed attempt to revive diplomatic engagement after the previous Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on August 15 failed to produce tangible results.
This extended dialogue comes amid waning diplomatic efforts over the past two months to push forward a peace agreement for Ukraine, as global attention shifted toward conflicts in the Middle East.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.