**Trump Declines to Supply Ukraine with Tomahawk Missiles After Tense White House Meeting**
President Donald Trump declined to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles following a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, according to a report by Axios.
### Putin Phone Call Preceded Decision
Sources cited by Axios revealed that Trump initially showed a willingness to supply the missiles but changed course after a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier the same day. During the call, Putin expressed strong opposition to Ukraine receiving the Tomahawk missiles, which reportedly influenced Trump’s decision.
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment on the matter.
### Meeting Described as Tense
Two sources familiar with the White House meeting characterized it as “tough.” One described the encounter as “not easy,” while another said it was “not good,” adding that at least “nobody shouted.”
According to the report, Trump made “several strong statements,” and at times, the discussion “got a bit emotional.” The meeting ended abruptly with Trump stating he would “see what happens next week.”
### Missile Capabilities and Background
Tomahawk missiles are known for their precision targeting and capability to fly over 1,000 miles at low altitudes. Over 2,300 Tomahawk missiles have been launched worldwide in the past four decades, playing a significant role in U.S. military operations since the early 1990s.
Recently, the U.S. used 30 Tomahawk missiles in strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Approval to transfer these missiles to Ukraine would represent a major escalation in American military support for the country.
### Trump’s Public Statement
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that he “strongly suggested to President Putin that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal.”
He emphasized that enough blood has been shed and remarked on the costs of war, saying, “Property lines defined by war and guts” must come to an end.
Trump urged both nations to “stop where they are, claim victory,” and “let history decide.”
### Next Steps
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirmed that preparations are underway for an upcoming summit, tweeting, “Hungary is the island of PEACE!”
Trump is scheduled to meet with Putin in Budapest following high-level talks between U.S. and Russian officials next week. However, the exact location of those discussions has yet to be finalized.
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*Photo: Shutterstock*
https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/10/48291276/trump-reportedly-rebuffs-ukraine-missile-appeal-after-putin-call-time-to-stop
