Washington (TDI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a letter of apology to US President Donald Trump following a tense public argument during their Oval Office meeting last month, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said.
Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Witkoff confirmed that Zelenskyy had sent the apology letter to US President after their heated exchange.
He said that this step had initiated further discussions between the United Sates, Ukraine, and relevant European officials regarding the war in Ukraine and efforts towards a peace deal.
President Trump acknowledged receiving the letter during his recent speech at Congress but did not explicitly mention Zelenskyy’s apology.
Zelenskyy had previously described the clash as “regrettable,” but did not offer an official apology at the time.
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The argument in the Oval Office centred on the US push for diplomacy with Russia, with Ukrainian President openly questioning Washington’s efforts to engage with the Kremlin.
The aftermath of the meeting led to a suspension of military assistance to Ukraine, with key talks on a minerals agreement and intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine put on hold.
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While the letter of apology marks progress in mending ties, Witkoff noted that major challenges remain in the peace talks.
The US and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia later this week to continue efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war with Russia.
The focus of the meeting will be on securing territorial security, military assistance and a potential peace deal.
