Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t mince words during a tense White House sit-down on Friday. He told Donald Trump straight up: Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t serious about peace.

“We want peace, Putin doesn’t want peace. That’s why we need pressure on him,” Zelensky said, pushing hard for more US military support to back Ukraine’s fight.

Trump Eyes Diplomatic Breakthrough, But Is Not Blind to Risks

Trump, ever the dealmaker, expressed hope that Putin actually wants to end the war. “I think President Putin wants to end the war, or he wouldn’t be talking this way,” he insisted.

But Trump also admitted he’s cautious. “I have been played all my life by the best of them,” he warned, admitting he’s wary after a lengthy phone call with Putin just the day before.

With his trademark confidence, Trump boasted, “I know about deals, I do it well,” and touted his chances of being the first US president to end a war.

Zelensky Praises Middle East Wins, Demands More Weapons

Before diving into Ukraine’s needs, Zelensky gave Trump props for recent progress in brokering Middle East peace.

“I am confident with your help that we can stop this war. We see that they do not have success on the battlefield, they are weaker now,” Zelensky asserted.

The meeting came just a day after Trump agreed to a second summit with Putin in Hungary, hosted by Trump ally Viktor Orbán.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Putin called Trump to congratulate him on efforts to resolve the Israel-Gaza conflict, adding an interesting twist to the diplomatic dance.

Tomahawks on the Table? Trump’s Unusual Offer Shakes Talks

Ukraine’s plea for long-range Tomahawk missiles dominated talks. Washington has held back, fearing escalation.

Trump said he cheekily floated the idea to Putin: “Would you mind if I gave a couple of thousand tomahawks to your opposition?” Predictably, Putin balked.

Calling the missiles “vicious” and “incredibly destructive,” Trump hinted he may wait until after his next meeting with Putin before deciding.

Meanwhile, US defense figure Pete Hegseth warned Moscow that failure to negotiate would prompt harsh consequences.

Zelensky Calls Out Putin’s “Words Vs. Actions” Hypocrisy

On social media, Zelensky was blunt: “Russia will be forced to stop the war once it is no longer able to continue it.” He slammed Putin for empty promises, saying real peace means no more strikes or killings—something Putin refuses to do.

Trump Navigates Rocky Relations Between Zelensky and Putin

When asked who negotiates better, Trump praised both but said personal grudges between the leaders complicate talks.

“They don’t get along too well, sometimes it’s tough to have meetings,” Trump admitted, suggesting separate but equal negotiations could be the way forward.

From Rocky Start to Rapprochement

Relations between Trump and Zelensky have thawed since their frosty February Oval Office meeting, where Trump bluntly told Zelensky: “You don’t have the cards.”

Trump maintains ongoing talks and recently met Putin in Alaska—an event he says “set a stage” for further diplomacy, despite no deal.

The former first lady Melania reportedly opened Trump’s eyes to the brutal toll on Ukrainian civilians, influencing his stance.

Pressed on possible Ukrainian concessions, Zelensky insisted, “They will have to sit down and talk first,” underscoring the need for direct dialogue.