WASHINGTON DC – US President Donald Trump’s decision to deny President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for Tomahawk missiles during their meeting on Friday has ignited a geopolitical firestorm, with one former NATO defense official suggesting Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively – and successfully – manipulating the White House.
The move, which followed a tense White House meeting and a pre-summit call with Putin, immediately drew sharp condemnation in Washington.
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Putin ‘expert’ at convincing Trump to stall aid
Retired US Army Colonel Richard Williams, a former deputy director in NATO’s Defense Investment Division, offered a blistering assessment to Kyiv Post, putting Trump’s change of heart squarely on the Russian leader.
“Vladimir Putin believes himself – with some recent proof – that he’s an expert on convincing Trump to give him more time to fight the war that he is losing,” Williams said on Saturday.
The expert noted that Zelensky’s proposal – a deal to broker the purchase of Tomahawks from European allies in exchange for sharing Ukraine’s world-class drone technology – was a compelling offer “even if you’re Trump neutral.”
He emphasized that the common belief the US is “giving” aid is false, stating, “Trump hasn’t spent anything on Ukraine,” as the US is merely selling arms to Europe, which in turn passes them to Kyiv.
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The expert framed the Tomahawk request as crucial for Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-held territory, a capability the Kremlin has possessed for years.
Williams speculated on the possible mechanics of Putin’s influence, suggesting a quid pro quo: Putin could offer “UN support for Trump’s idea of putting a resort on Gaza’s beaches,” though he labeled this as “idle speculation of course – but logical given Trump’s background and friendship with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.”
On the Ukrainian counter-offer, Williams, was unequivocal. “Even Secretary [of Defense] Peter Hegseth can’t find fault with the ‘war fighting’ capability of Ukraine’s fully up-to-date drone stockpile that fought its way to innovative superiority in 3.5 years – ahead of even the best US arms industry,” he argued.
Ultimately, Williams concluded that the deal represents “a fair approach if you’re neutral and take the exclusively not Vladimir Putin position.”
‘Not good’ meeting and a ceasefire call
Several US media outlets reported Saturday that Trump definitively declined to provide the long-range missiles. Sources familiar with the White House meeting described the talks between the two leaders as notably “tense” and “not easy.”
One source called the exchange “not good,” though added that at least “nobody shouted.” The tension was preceded by a phone call between Trump and his Russian counterpart, Putin, who reportedly “impressed on Trump his severe opposition” to Ukraine obtaining the missiles.
Trump, who had initially signaled a willingness to supply the Tomahawks, abruptly ended the meeting with Zelensky by saying he would “see what happens next week,” leaving the Ukrainian leader without a commitment for the “game-changer” weapon.
Following the meeting, Trump took to social media to call for an immediate end to the conflict. He wrote that both Ukraine and Russia should “stop where they are,” both “claim victory,” and “let History decide!”
His demand for both sides to “stop where they are” signals support for Russia retaining the territory it has gained since the 2022 invasion.
Bipartisan fury on Capitol Hill
Trump’s failure to provide the Tomahawks drew swift and sharp reaction from both sides of the aisle in Congress.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) immediately urged the passage of his bipartisan sanctions bill, directly accusing Trump of undermining Ukraine’s defense.
“Trump is playing into Putin’s hands—slow-walking the aid Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia’s murderous assault,” Blumenthal stated.
“Immediately providing Ukraine with necessary military aid – including Tomahawk cruise missiles – coupled with passing the Graham-Blumenthal Sanctions Bill will cripple Russia’s war machine and put us on the path to peace,” he added Saturday.
The bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, co-sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), has overwhelming support with 85 cosponsors in the Senate, underscoring the legislative branch’s desire to harden policy against Moscow.
Meanwhile, Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) called on Trump to apply the same strategic focus to the European theater that he applied to the Middle East.
“President Trump successfully resolved the Middle-East conflict by correctly identifying, and directing his ire towards, the true aggressor: Hamas. He can successfully resolve the European conflict by correctly identifying, and directing his ire towards, the true aggressor: Putin,” Fitzpatrick said.
He concluded: “Bullies must be confronted in order to be stopped. These are the repeated lessons of history. It is the only path to peace.”