**Zelenskyy Says Swarm of Russian Drones Attacked His Hometown Ahead of White House Meeting**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a swarm of Russian drones struck his hometown, Kryviy Rih, in southeastern Ukraine on the evening of October 16, just before his scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
Zelenskyy described the attack as a stark example of how Russia continues to “terrorize Ukraine.” He noted that dozens more attack drones were observed in Ukrainian skies, along with missile launches targeting critical infrastructure. “In fact, not a single night in recent weeks has passed without Russian strikes on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X after arriving in Washington ahead of talks with Trump.
Highlighting the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia will only stop the war when it can no longer sustain it. He stressed that Russia’s readiness for peace is demonstrated not through words but by ceasing attacks and killings. “Therefore, every air defense system for Ukraine matters,” he asserted. “Every decision that can strengthen us brings the end of the war closer. Security can be guaranteed if everything we have agreed on, including here in Washington, is implemented.”
### Discussions on Air Defenses and Long-Range Capabilities Expected
The upcoming talks between Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to cover Ukraine’s air defense needs and long-range strike capabilities. There is particular focus on the possibility of the US supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, a key point amid escalating tensions.
Earlier on October 16, Trump surprised many by announcing that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken by phone and agreed to meet in Budapest. According to Trump’s social media statement, a meeting of high-level advisers is planned for the following week to prepare for the summit, with an aim “to see if we can bring this ‘inglorious’ war, between Russia and Ukraine, to an end.”
Trump also revealed that the US delegation would be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The precise location for the meeting remains undecided, but Trump expects it to occur “within two weeks” and be hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban, who has maintained cordial relations with Russia and been skeptical about military aid to Ukraine, welcomed the planned summit. On X, he described it as “great news for the peace-loving people of the world” and declared, “We are ready!”
### Kremlin and White House Praise Phone Call
Both the Kremlin and the White House hailed the Trump-Putin phone call as “good” and “productive.” Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov described the conversation as “extremely frank and trustful” and indicated that further details would be discussed in an upcoming call between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Ushakov conveyed that Putin told Trump supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not alter the battlefield situation but would undermine peace efforts and damage US-Russia relations.
### Zelenskyy Sees Signs of Moscow’s Eagerness to Resume Dialogue
After arriving in Washington, Zelenskyy posted on Telegram that Russia’s response suggested a keen interest in resuming dialogue, particularly upon hearing of possible US support with Tomahawk missiles. “We can already see that Moscow is rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks,” he remarked on X.
### Trump and Zelenskyy Hold Two Calls Amid Missile Talks
Over the weekend, Trump and Zelenskyy spoke twice as discussions intensified regarding the potential US decision to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. While Trump has not ruled out supplying the weapons, on October 16 he expressed concern about depleting US Tomahawk stockpiles.
Tomahawk missiles have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers—enough to reach Moscow from Ukraine—and can be equipped with nuclear warheads. Trump described them as a “vicious, offensive, and incredibly destructive weapon,” adding, “Nobody wants Tomahawks shot at them.”
Trump confirmed mentioning Tomahawks during his call with Putin, who “didn’t like the idea.” The missile debate underscores the complex balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense and managing broader geopolitical risks.
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*Stay tuned for further updates as diplomatic efforts and military developments continue to unfold.*
https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-russia-ukraine-tomahawks-putin/33562274.html
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