Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued an apology to U.S. President Donald J. Trump following a heated exchange in the Oval Office, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff disclosed on Monday that Zelensky had sent a letter expressing regret over the incident. Although Trump mentioned receiving a letter from Zelensky during his recent address to Congress, he did not acknowledge any apology. A spokesman for Zelensky had previously indicated that there would be no apology from the Ukrainian leader.
The confrontation in the Oval Office involved Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Zelensky, focusing on Zelensky’s skepticism of diplomatic talks with Russia and Vladimir Putin. This encounter led to Zelensky’s abrupt departure, interrupting discussions about a mineral agreement that was pending between the two nations. As a result, U.S. intelligence sharing and military support for Ukraine were temporarily halted, a decision confirmed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Despite these tensions, efforts are underway to revive peace negotiations concerning the conflict in Ukraine triggered by Russia’s invasion. U.S. and Ukrainian delegates are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia starting Tuesday to work towards a resolution. Trump has expressed interest in resuming support for Ukraine, contingent upon their commitment to pursuing peace.
Witkoff has been actively involved in mediating the cessation of hostilities, although his primary role is as a special envoy to the Middle East. He suggested that progress has been made with Russia and expressed optimism for future talks with Ukraine. President Trump emphasized the need for Ukraine to display a genuine commitment to peace, noting that the mineral agreement alone would not suffice to restart support from the U.S.