WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, signaling hesitation over Kyiv’s request for a long-range missile system the country says it urgently needs.

Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump comes just a day after the U.S. president held a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the conflict.

In recent days, Trump signaled openness to selling Ukraine long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, despite warnings from Putin that the move could further strain U.S.-Russia relations.

But after Thursday’s call with Putin, Trump appeared to downplay Ukraine’s chances of receiving the missiles, which can reach up to 995 miles (1,600 kilometers).

Tensions over missile deal

"We need Tomahawks for the United S

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