Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington for official talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders met at the White House to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, future peace negotiations, and bilateral defense cooperation. Trump said, “We want to end the war — too many people have died. I’ll meet Putin in Hungary. So far, I’ve ended eight wars; this will be the ninth.”

At the White House: “We Want to End the War”

At the start of their meeting, Trump underlined his goal to bring the Russia-Ukraine War to an end. “We want to end the war — too many people have died,” he said, adding that Zelenski “is a great leader who has suffered a lot.”

Trump emphasized that peace, not personal recognition, remains his focus: “The Nobel Peace Prize doesn’t matter to me. What matters is ending wars. Stopping the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be the ninth war I end.”

Putin Talks in Budapest: “A Historic Turning Point”

Trump confirmed plans for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to discuss a ceasefire. “We’ll meet in Budapest — it’s not finalized yet, but very likely. We’ll stay in touch with President Zelensky throughout the process,” he said.

Calling the possible meeting “a historic turning point,” Trump expressed hope that the war could be resolved diplomatically: “I hope we can end it without the need for Tomahawk missiles.”

White House Goes “Your Mom” Over Putin Summit

President Donald Trump plans to hold his next summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary, according to multiple reports published. The location carries symbolic weight, as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum once guaranteed Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for surrendering its nuclear weapons—an agreement later violated by Russia.

When asked why Budapest was chosen given that history, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, “Your mom did,” according to several outlets. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung later echoed the same remark, prompting criticism and viral attention online.

The planned summit comes amid ongoing tensions in U.S.-Russia relations, with Washington condemning Moscow’s occupation of Ukrainian territory. Officials have yet to provide details on the summit’s agenda or timing.

Tomahawk and Drone Cooperation

Defense cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. Trump stated, “We need our Tomahawks,” referring to the U.S. missile arsenal. Zelensky replied with a smile: “Then Tomahawks from you, drones from us.”

Trump praised Ukraine’s defense industry, saying, “Ukraine produces very capable drones — we’re interested in their systems.” Zelensky responded that his country “wants peace, but Putin does not,” urging stronger pressure on Moscow.

Trump Laughs as Zelensky Rejects $8 Billion ‘Putin–Trump Tunnel’

During a lighthearted moment at the White House briefing, Trump and Zelensky briefly discussed a Russian proposal for a 70-mile undersea rail tunnel linking eastern Russia’s Chukotka region to Alaska across the Bering Strait.

Trump called the idea “interesting” and asked Zelensky for his view. Zelensky, whose country remains at war with Russia, replied that he was “not happy” with the proposal. Trump then quipped to reporters, “I don’t think he liked it.”

The project, dubbed by Russian officials as the “Putin–Trump Tunnel” and estimated at roughly $8 billion, has been pitched as a symbolic infrastructure link potentially led by Elon Musk’s Boring Company. While the concept has existed for over a century, experts consistently cite enormous costs, environmental risks, and security concerns.

“Trump Has a Real Chance to End the War”

Zelensky voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to mediate peace: “President Trump has a very high chance of ending this war. He showed the world that peace in the Middle East is possible. I hope we can achieve the same for Ukraine.”

He also thanked Trump for his role in securing a ceasefire in Gaza, adding, “President Trump made peace there — he can do the same here.”

A Lighter Moment and Subtle Tensions

The meeting featured a brief moment of levity when Trump complimented Zelensky’s outfit, saying, “I like your jacket — it looks great on you.” However, observers noted that Trump did not escort Zelensky after the meeting — an unusual gesture in diplomatic protocol.

Despite that, both leaders described the discussion as constructive and signaled plans for continued dialogue in the coming weeks.