Trump Team Says Who Apologized?

During a recent interview on Fox News, Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy, revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had personally apologized to Trump in the wake of a tense Oval Office meeting. Witkoff confirmed that Zelensky sent a letter of apology to Trump, addressing the fallout from their heated exchange. He described the apology as an important step forward and noted that it reflected ongoing discussions between the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies involved in the broader conflict.

This diplomatic moment comes as U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet again in Saudi Arabia, where they will continue peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war with Russia. Witkoff suggested that Zelensky’s gesture, by sending the apology letter, was a sign of progress in mending strained relations between the two nations.

President Trump himself mentioned the letter during his joint address to Congress, expressing his appreciation for the gesture. This followed a period in which the U.S. temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine. In the aftermath of the contentious Oval Office meeting, Zelensky initially referred to the encounter as “regrettable” but stopped short of issuing a full apology at that time. Despite the tension, Zelensky has repeatedly indicated that Ukraine remains open to dialogue and is committed to finding a resolution to the conflict.

Witkoff emphasized that it is crucial for officials from both sides to engage in direct discussions on several key issues, such as security measures for Ukraine, territorial concerns, and a practical utility plan moving forward. He stressed that these are not overly complex issues, but rather straightforward matters that require transparent conversations to ensure that both parties can align on expectations. Only then, Witkoff believes, can meaningful progress be made toward finding a compromise and achieving peace.