Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:20pm on 18 Oct 2025,Saturday International
Zelensky left the White House empty-handed Friday after a "pointed" meeting with Trump, arriving optimistic but leaving without Tomahawk missiles or security guarantees. Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Stefanchuk called it a "very important historical moment" before departure, expecting Trump would understand "Putin is a liar," but mid-flight news of Trump's 2.5-hour Putin call and summit announcement dampened hopes. Trump insisted the war should freeze at existing battle lines with both sides going "home to their families." Zelensky maintained Putin isn't ready for genuine peace while carefully offering effusive praise to Trump. Kyiv residents vowed continued fighting regardless, stating "the only power who decides what's next is our army."
