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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a strategic exchange with President Donald Trump on Friday, suggesting a trade of drone technology for the U.S.’s high-precision long-range Tomahawk missiles.
“In a technology-driven conflict, having a single military capability is insufficient,” Zelenskyy remarked, emphasizing the necessity for numerous drones to effectively target military objectives.
He elaborated, “Ukraine possesses thousands of drones, yet we lack Tomahawk missiles. Therefore, we require Tomahawks,” highlighting the potential for collaboration. “The United States has these powerful Tomahawks and other missiles, while we can offer our extensive drone fleet.”
During a meeting on October 17, 2025, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed this potential collaboration with President Donald Trump. (Tom Brenner/AFP via Getty Images)
Zelenskyy concluded, “This is an area where we can collaborate effectively.”
When pressed by reporters on whether he would be “interested” in brokering a drone deal with Ukraine, Trump said, “Yeah, we would.”
“We have a lot of drones right now. We build our own drones, but we also buy drones from others, and they make very good drones,” Trump added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answers questions during an exclusive appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report” with Bret Baier. (Fox News)
The president acknowledged that giving Ukraine the sophisticated missiles capable of hitting beyond Moscow would be an “escalation.”
“Tomahawks are a big deal,” Trump said, adding at he also has an “obligation” to make sure the U.S. is “completely stocked” on its defensive needs.
“Because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace, right? You never know what’s going to happen,” Trump said.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the White House in Washington, D.C., Oct. 17, 2025. (Reuters/Jonathan Ernst)
Trump appeared unlikely to agree to give Zelenskyy Tomahawks on Friday and said he would prefer to see an end to the war.
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Thursday to meet in person in Hungary, though a date has not been set.
Zelenskyy is unlikely to be in attendance at that meeting.