Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been forced to apologize to President Donald Trump after their tense Oval Office meeting resulted in a diplomatic standoff.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed Monday that Zelenskyy sent a letter of apology, calling it an “important step” in ongoing discussions. “Zelenskyy sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office,” Witkoff said during a Fox News interview.
WELCOME TO TRUMP’S AMERICA. We are done taking other countries’ bullshit:
WITKOFF: "Zelensky sent a letter to the President. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office." pic.twitter.com/ARmhvwWBYY
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) March 10, 2025
During Trump’s address to Congress, he had referenced receiving a letter from Zelenskyy, though he emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace rather than the apology. The Ukrainian leader had previously refused to show any regret for the heated exchange, even calling the meeting “regrettable” but stopping short of taking responsibility.
Zelenskyy’s previous hardline stance delayed a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine that was supposed to be finalized during his visit. That agreement would have granted the U.S. access to critical resources but was put on hold after the dispute.
With U.S. military assistance now frozen and intelligence-sharing suspended, Zelenskyy appears to be shifting his approach. Ukraine’s delegation, along with U.S. officials, will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss terms of a ceasefire and Ukraine’s post-war future.
Trump remains firm on his stance that endless U.S. support for Kyiv is not an option. Zelenskyy’s reversal shows that reality is starting to set in
