U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about military support for Ukraine, particularly the potential transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States.

Zelenskyy’s visit follows a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the two leaders discussed the conflict in Ukraine. Trump has previously indicated a willingness to consider sending Tomahawks to Ukraine, which have a range of approximately 1,500 miles. However, after his conversation with Putin, Trump expressed reservations about depleting U.S. military resources. "We need Tomahawks for the United States of America, too," he stated.

Zelenskyy has been advocating for the long-range missiles, arguing that they would enable Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russian territory and target critical military and energy infrastructure. He believes such capabilities could pressure Putin to engage in serious negotiations to end the war.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that discussions about the Tomahawks have already prompted a response from Moscow, pushing Putin to consider dialogue. "The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentum for peace," Sybiha said.

This meeting will mark the fourth in-person encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since Trump took office in January. Their previous meetings have varied in tone, with Trump previously criticizing Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support. However, their relationship appears to have improved, with Trump recently expressing optimism about Ukraine's potential to reclaim lost territory.

In addition to the Tomahawks, Zelenskyy has also expressed interest in other military systems, including Patriot air defense systems. The U.S. has been facilitating European allies in purchasing American military assets for Ukraine through a program known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

As the situation evolves, U.S. officials are cautious about the implications of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawks, given the current state of U.S. munitions stockpiles. Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project, emphasized the need to manage these strategic assets carefully. He noted that while Tomahawks could significantly impact Russian operations, the U.S. must consider its own defense needs.

The upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy is expected to address these military concerns, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict. Trump has indicated that finding a resolution to the war in Ukraine is a top priority for his administration.

As the discussions unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how U.S. military support for Ukraine develops and what impact it may have on U.S.-Russia relations.