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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky seems to have left a Washington summit without securing the long-desired Tomahawk cruise missiles from President Donald Trump.

The Ukrainian president commented after the cordial bilateral that he and Trump had discussed advanced missile systems, but decided to avoid public declarations on that issue "because the US administration wishes to prevent an escalation."

Trump's Position on Weapons Transfer

Although Trump did not rule out providing Tomahawks to Ukraine, his attitude during the Washington discussions was guarded.

"With hope Ukraine won't require them, ideally we can get the war over without considering Tomahawks," President Trump stated, adding that America needed the weapons for its own security.

Trump said that providing the missiles would be "a significant escalation, but discussions will continue."

Global Political Moves

This high-level summit came just a day after Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and arranged to meet him in Hungary soon.

After the discussions, the US president took to his social media platform to urge Kyiv and Russia to "cease current positions" and conclude the conflict.

Kyiv's Viewpoint and Proposals

The Ukrainian leader proposed that Ukraine could offer unmanned aerial vehicles in exchange for the missile systems, a suggestion that elicited positive reactions from the American president.

The Ukrainian president also praised Trump on his role in achieving a peace agreement in the region, suggesting that the US leader could build on that momentum to help resolve Russia's war in Ukraine.

Upcoming Negotiations and Considerations

When asked about whether the possibility of Ukraine obtaining the advanced missiles had prompted Putin to meet Trump, Zelensky answered, "It's unclear," adding that the prospect had caused Russia to be "afraid since it is a strong weapon."

Asked if he was departing Washington more optimistic that Ukraine would receive the Tomahawks, he said, "I am realistic."

The Ukrainian leader maintains that employing these missiles to target Moscow's energy infrastructure would significantly damage Putin's war economy.

Human Consequences of the Conflict

"Truth and democracy will prevail, and all the violence and aggression will disappear," stated one local businessman. "We simply wish to exist peacefully, we refuse to surrender, we just want them to leave us alone."

This heartfelt response came as citizens in the Ukrainian capital continue to rebuild their communities and businesses destroyed by ongoing military strikes.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

In recent days, Trump had shown an openness to the idea of selling the missile systems, even as the Russian leader warned that such a decision would further strain the bilateral relations.

Trump had anticipated that a personal meeting in Alaska in August would help convince the Russian president to begin substantial negotiations to end the war, but that summit failed to produce a significant progress.

The leaders currently arranging for additional negotiations as the conflict in the region persists to develop.