Witkoff Claims Zelenskyy Apologized to Trump Following Oval Office Confrontation

March 10, 2025 TruthUSA

“I believe this was a significant development, and there has been extensive dialogue between our teams, the Ukrainians, and the Europeans,” stated the White House envoy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his apologies to President Donald Trump for a tense meeting in the Oval Office earlier this week, a letter which Trump referenced during his speech to Congress on March 4, according to White House special envoy Steve Witkoff.

“Zelensky sent a letter to the president, apologizing for the incident that took place in the Oval Office,” Witkoff mentioned during an interview on Fox News on March 10. “I believe it was an essential move, and there have been numerous discussions involving our teams along with the Ukrainians and relevant Europeans.”

The letter, referenced by Trump during his congressional address, also indicated Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate a resolution to the war with Russia. Trump quoted Zelenskyy as stating that Ukraine was “prepared to come to the negotiating table” and keen to “collaborate under President Trump’s strong leadership” to achieve lasting peace.

Trump further stated that Zelenskyy mentioned in the letter that Ukraine is prepared to sign a deal regarding minerals with the United States.

Zelenskyy’s letter comes following his contentious meeting on February 28 with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which the Ukrainian leader later described as “regrettable.” The meeting, originally intended to finalize an economic agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, escalated into a fiery discussion on how to end the war.

During this exchange, Trump advocated for an immediate cease-fire and direct talks with Russia, while Zelenskyy countered by questioning the reliability of any agreement made with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy maintained that Putin cannot be trusted to maintain any peace deal and emphasized that future agreements with Moscow must include explicit security guarantees from the United States. However, Trump dismissed this notion, asserting that U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s mineral industry would serve as a sufficient deterrent against any future Russian threats.

Following the meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of wielding U.S. military assistance to prolong the resistance against Russia instead of pursuing negotiations with Moscow. Shortly thereafter, Trump suspended U.S. military support to Ukraine, ramping up pressure on Kyiv to comply with a cease-fire while simultaneously urging European allies to bolster their assistance.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia this week to explore potential peace negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy, who arrived in Jeddah on Monday, is expected to confer with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the summit.

Although the United States has limited intelligence-sharing with Ukraine concerning offensive actions, Witkoff confirmed that defensive intelligence remains accessible. The discussions in Saudi Arabia are anticipated to cover the future of U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing.

“We have never cut off intelligence for any defensive requirements that the Ukrainians may have,” Witkoff told Fox News.

Trump indicated that he has received “strong signals” from Russia concerning peace negotiations, presenting the current circumstances as a chance to conclude the conflict. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” he expressed, drawing applause during his congressional address.

To compel Russia to engage seriously in peace discussions, Trump threatened to impose sanctions and tariffs on Moscow.

“Considering that Russia is currently ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield, I am seriously contemplating significant Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. Russia and Ukraine, come to the table immediately, before it is too late. Thank you!!!” he posted on March 7 on Truth Social.

Trump did not specify the amount of tariffs or the nature of other sanctions he intended to place on Russia.

In his latest public statement on March 10, Zelenskyy reiterated his willingness to partake in peace discussions, asserting on X that Ukraine “has sought peace from the very first moment of the war,” while holding Russia accountable for the ongoing hostilities.

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