Volodymyr Zelenskyy surprises Donald Trump with golf club of injured Ukrainian soldier at White House meeting in Washington (Image Via Google) Volodymyr Zelenskyy surprised Donald Trump with a very special gift during his visit to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The president of Ukraine brought a golf club that once belonged to Ukrainian serviceman Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, who lost his leg during the first months of Russia’s full invasion while saving his fellow soldiers. Donald Trump, who is well known for his love of golf, accepted the club and thanked the Ukrainian soldier in a video message. The moment marked a much warmer tone between the two leaders after their last tense meeting.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents symbolic golf club and receives “keys to the White House” from Donald Trump
During the meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally handed the golf club to Donald Trump and explained its story. He also showed a short video of Kostiantyn Kartavtsev speaking from Ukraine. According to the president’s office, the club symbolizes bravery and the close connection between the Ukrainian people and the United States.Donald Trump responded by thanking the soldier in a short video message, saying, “I just watched your swing, and it is great. You are an amazing person. Keep playing golf and doing all the great things for your country.”He then offered Zelenskyy a symbolic “key” to the White House as a sign of renewed friendship. Trump said he hopes to help Ukraine “return to health” soon and praised the courage of its troops.Also Read: “I Love It”: Emma Raducanu And Carlos Alcaraz Surprise Fans With US Open Mixed Doubles Debut And Stir Romance Rumors
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy try to repair ties after earlier conflict
Earlier this year, in February 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump had a heated argument during a televised meeting at the White House, which ended with the Ukrainian president leaving early. Since then, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought to rebuild ties by lauding Donald Trump’s attempts to negotiate friendly discussions and encourage peace. To Melania Trump on Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also carried a personal letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska. The letter expressed gratitude to Melania Trump for contacting Vladimir Putin and asking him to safeguard children during the conflict.Foreign leaders have also been bringing special gifts in recent visits. On February 28, 2025, United Kingdom prime minister Keir Starmer presented Donald Trump with an official visit invitation signed by King Charles III
