The World High stakes for Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets with Trump at the White House
Oct 17, 2025
Maria Zolkina, Head of Regional Security and Conflict Studies in Kyiv, shares insights on Ukraine's hopes from President Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump, emphasizing the crucial need for Tomahawk missiles to pressure Russia. Greet Van Malderen, a wildlife photographer recognized for his work, captures the unique adaptation of Namibia's maritime lions, highlighting their new seal-hunting behaviors and the ecological challenges they face. Together, they discuss high-stakes geopolitics and fascinating wildlife dynamics.
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Constructive, Transactional Diplomacy
- Ukrainians view the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting as a pragmatic effort to secure concrete military support, not a symbolic charm visit.
- Kyiv aims to show clear plans and effects for long-range weapons like Tomahawk missiles to change Russia's negotiating calculus.
Long Range Strikes Shift The Equation
- Tomahawk missiles offer Ukraine the ability to strike high-value targets deep inside Russia and hit energy infrastructure.
- Targeting energy could degrade Russia's war economy and influence its political leverage.
Budapest Holds Painful Symbolism
- A Trump–Putin summit in Budapest carries negative symbolism for Ukraine because the 1994 Budapest Memorandum promised security assurances after Ukraine gave up nuclear weapons.
- Ukrainians worry talks could divide the EU or produce toothless deals that Ukraine can't or won't implement.
