Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly issued an official apology to President Donald Trump following their tense Oval Office meeting on February 28.
The apology was revealed by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who described it as “an important step” in ongoing discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials.
“Zelensky sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the office. I think that was an important step,” Witkoff told Fox News on Monday.
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He also indicated that negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and European allies are continuing.
“And there’s been a lot of discussion between our teams and the Ukrainians and the Europeans who are relevant to this discussion as well. And I would like to describe it as progress. And so I would hope that there’s a deal,” Witkoff added.
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The apology follows a heated meeting between Trump and Zelensky, which underscored shifting U.S. policy toward Ukraine. Zelensky visited Washington seeking additional military and financial aid but was met with skepticism from Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Oval Office discussion became tense when Trump and Vance questioned Ukraine’s handling of the war and its approach to peace negotiations with Russia.
Trump, who had already put a hold on additional U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, criticized the country’s wartime strategy and leadership.
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance told Zelensky during the meeting.
“Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
Vance continued, directly challenging Ukraine’s recruitment tactics.
“I have actually watched and seen the stories, and I know what happens. You bring people, you bring them on a propaganda tour, Mr. President. Do you disagree that you’ve had problems bringing people into your military?”
As the exchange escalated, Trump intervened, dismissing Zelensky’s suggestion that the U.S. would suffer direct consequences if the war continued.
Trump criticized Ukraine’s handling of the conflict and accused its leadership of poor decision-making.
“You’re not in a good position. You’ve allowed yourself to be in a very bad position. Right now, you’re not playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country,” Trump said.
Vance then asked, “Have you said thank you once?”
“A lot of times,” Zelensky responded.
Following the contentious meeting, Zelensky reportedly sought to repair relations, calling the exchange “regrettable” and reaffirming his commitment to securing peace.
However, Trump has continued to express dissatisfaction, pointing to Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. aid without demonstrating meaningful progress toward ending the war.
Trump has also emphasized the need for European nations to take greater responsibility in aiding Ukraine, arguing that the U.S. should not bear the financial burden alone.
The response in Washington has been divided along party lines, with Republicans backing Trump’s firm stance on foreign aid and raising concerns about how American taxpayer dollars are being spent.
Meanwhile, Democrats and mainstream media outlets have defended Zelensky, continuing to push for sustained U.S. support for Ukraine.
The diplomatic fallout from the meeting, and whether it will impact future aid agreements, remains to be seen.
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