Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Alaska 15 August 2025. | Photo: x.com/WhiteHouse
Trump–Putin's conversation surprised Washington and Moscow. Within 24 hours, the President of the United States has significantly changed rhetoric towards Ukraine, causing uncertainty in world markets and among allies.
Trump, Putin and Ukrainian Tomahawks – quick verse
A day earlier, President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. might consider handing over thousands of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine – which he was even supposed to hand over directly to Vladimir Putin during a phone call. ‘I told Putin: Do you mind if I give your opponents a few thousand Tomahawks? He didn't like the idea." – the American leader reported. The Kremlin responded with a warning – identifying such a decision as an enemy act and threatening to escalate. The reactions of markets and politicians have shown how tense the situation is.
After a conversation, Putin gathered permanent members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation in Moscow, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Trump revealed part of the conversation: "I told Putin: Do you mind if I give your opponents a few thousand Tomahawks? 3/14
I just got off the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was very fruitful. President Putin congratulated me and the United States on the great achievement of peace in the Middle East, which he said had been dreaming of for centuries. I believe that success in the Middle East will help us to negotiate to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. President Putin thanked the First Lady of Melanie for her commitment to children. He was very grateful and said it would continue. We also spent a lot of time talking about trade between Russia and the United States after the end of the war with Ukraine. At the end of the discussion, we agreed that a meeting of our high-level advisers would be held next week. The first meetings of the United States will be chaired by the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other persons to be appointed. The rendezvous point will be set. Then President Putin and I will meet in an agreed place, in Budapest, Hungary, to see if we can end this "disgraceful" war between Russia and Ukraine. President Zelenski and I will meet tomorrow at the Oval Office, where we will discuss my conversation with President Putin and many other matters. I believe that today's phone call has brought great progress. – President Donald Trump at Truth Social
I have just included my telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, and it was a very productive one. President Putin congratulated me and the United States on the Great Achievement of Peace in the Middle East, something that, he said, has been dreamed of...
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX)October 16, 2025
Pentagon and international reactions
Considered by the Pentagon supplies of Tomahawks to Ukraine met with unprecedented Moscow opposition. Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryszkin warned that such a step would "significantly increase the risk to global security". In turn, the Trump administration began to signal that customs and economic sanctions which hit Russian exports could be more effective than military support from Ukraine.
Suddenly retreat – Tomahawks in the shadow of the summit
According to Reuters and many political experts, Trump's conversation with Putin resulted in a de facto decrease in the probability of sending Tomahawks to Ukraine – an attempt to de-escalate tension between Washington and Moscow. The White House, on the other hand, informs that the conversation was "productive", and the key decisions are to be made in the coming weeks.
🇷🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦 Russia would take delivery of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine as an enemy step, which would significantly increase the risk to global security – Sergei Naryszkin, Director of Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation
Changing the narrative and tone of the U.S. President's statements may indicate a new pressure strategy for the Kremlin.
The announcement of the meeting at the highest level "within two weeks" suggests that the diplomatic game is gaining momentum, and real decisions can only be made during the Trump-Putin summit in Budapest.
Budapest "island of room" – Orban as host
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that preparations for the summit had moved rapidly, and Budapest was to be chosen as the place of talks due to Hungary's neutrality and Orbán's ambition to be a mediator. The Prime Minister described the country as "an island of peace", stressing the importance of neutrality and dialogue.
🇷🇺🇺🇦🇭🇺🇺🇸 ❗️ The Hungarian State will provide Vladimir Putin with full security during his visit to Budapest – Head of the Hungarian MFA
I just got off the phone with President @realDonaldTrump. Preparations are underway for the peace summit between the United States and Russia. Hungary is a peace island! – Hungarian President Viktor Orban on X portal
I just got off the phone with President@realDonaldTrump. Preparations for the USA-Russia peace summary are underway.
🇺🇸🇷🇺🇭🇺 Budapest is the only suitable place in Europe for a USA–Russia peace summary. With long-standing pro-peace leadership and trusted partners, we provide a reliable, secure, and politically stable setting. There was no other option. Simply put: they can count on us!pic.twitter.com/ftQ4n9Slcu
Western media, including The Telegraph and Business Insider, predict that the meeting may prove to be a cold shower for Ukraine and a blow to the European Union – strengthening the Orbán line and its pro-Russian narrative within the Community. The Kremlin already uses diplomatic openness to promote its version of events, presenting Brussels as isolated.
Vision of "new bridges" and the Russian–US tunnel
During the conversation there was a concept of building a symbolic tunnel connecting Russia and the United States. Although it seems exotic, experts point out that such ideas have propaganda significance – they stress the need to "build new bridges" in Washington-Moscow relations.
The Future of Relationship: Peace or Another Conflict?
The Trump-Putin Summit announced in Budapest can be a turning point, both for peace in eastern Europe and for the role of the US in the European security system. Trump's administration analyses alternatives to military support and seeks economic tools for pressure on Russia. Ukraine and Russia themselves continue to show fundamental differences and are not yet ready for a real compromise," stressed Vice President J.D. Vance, quoting US intelligence analysis.
Trump suggested giving Ukraine the Tomahawks to withdraw from this idea immediately after talking to Putin.
The Kremlin warned that delivering weapons would be a hostile act and a threat to a peaceful solution.
The White House leans towards economic solutions and Washington and Moscow prepare for the Budapest summit.
The EU is increasingly marginalised in negotiations by the diplomatic activities of the Kremlin and Orbán.
The Trump-Putin Summit can bring key decisions on the future of Ukraine and Europe's security.
Related article for5sec.Donald Trump announces mortgage loans for 50 years in the United States. Is that a breakthrough in a time of high interest rates?
