After a failed attempt to pressure President Donald Trump into maintaining U.S. aid, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has walked back his hardline stance, issuing an apology following a tense White House meeting.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed Monday that Zelenskyy sent a letter expressing regret. “Zelenskyy sent a letter to the president. He apologized for that whole incident that happened in the Oval Office,” Witkoff told Fox News.
Trump had previously acknowledged receiving a letter from the Ukrainian leader during his congressional address, though he focused on Ukraine’s apparent willingness to negotiate peace with Russia rather than on Zelenskyy’s apology. The shift in tone comes after Trump made clear that U.S. support for Kyiv’s war effort was not unlimited.
Zelenskyy’s aggressive approach during his White House visit backfired, leading to the delay of a minerals deal that would have given the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources. That deal, which had been expected to be signed during the visit, was put on hold after the confrontation.
With military aid now suspended and U.S. intelligence-sharing frozen, Zelenskyy’s options have narrowed. His attempt to pressure Trump into continued funding failed, leaving him politically isolated and increasingly reliant on European allies.
Talks in Saudi Arabia will center on ceasefire conditions and Ukraine’s post-war security landscape. While Zelenskyy’s apology may smooth over some tensions, Trump remains focused on ending U.S. involvement in the conflict — whether Ukraine’s leadership is ready or not.
