U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff revealed Monday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent an apology letter to President Donald Trump.
Speaking on Fox News, Witkoff said the note addressed a tense Oval Office clash. “He apologized for that whole incident,” Witkoff noted, calling it a key step forward. The move follows Trump’s mention of the letter in Congress, days after the U.S. paused military aid to Ukraine.
Witkoff’s comments come ahead of U.S.-Ukraine peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia this week, aimed at ending the Russia conflict, per The Hill. He stressed the letter’s role in fostering “progress” amid talks with Ukrainian and European teams. Last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Zelensky to negotiate “in gratitude.” Witkoff emphasized discussing security, territory, and utilities openly to find compromise.
Read: Zelensky Regrets Trump Clash, Signals Peace Talks with Ukraine Aid on Hold
While Zelensky dubbed the meeting “regrettable” without a public apology, his letter shifts the tone. Upcoming talks may explore a minerals deal. Witkoff plans a Moscow trip to meet Vladimir Putin, though no date is set. As tensions ease, this apology could pave the way for a breakthrough in the ongoing war.
