Zelensky’s Unexpected Gift to Trump Revealed
President Trump was gifted a golf putter by a Ukrainian war veteran via President Zelensky, symbolizing peace and resilience, with a personal video message exchanged. The gesture underscores international solidarity and support for Ukraine’s recovery amid ongoing conflicts.
President Donald Trump received a heartfelt gift today during an Oval Office meeting: a golf putter engraved with the inspiring message “Let’s putt peace together!” The unique club was presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on behalf of Junior Sgt. Kostyantyn Kartavtsev, a Ukrainian soldier who lost a leg while bravely combating Russian forces and has since embraced golf as part of his rehabilitation. Kartavtsev’s journey is supported by the Ukrainian Golf Federation’s United By Golf initiative, which aids war veterans in rebuilding their lives through the sport.
The organization expressed deep sentiment in a statement, noting, “This is a gift from a man who knows the true price of peace. Like all those on the frontlines today, he continues to defend our freedom.” Trump, a well-known golf aficionado, responded with a personal video message after reviewing footage of Kartavtsev’s skillful play on his prosthetic leg. In the video, he remarked, “I know a lot about golf, and your swing is great. It looks beautiful, and you’re going to be a very good golfer very soon, but I also want to thank you for this putter. It’s beautiful and it’s made with real love, and it’s given to me with real love from you, and I appreciate that.” Adding a lighthearted touch, Trump added, “Every time I sink a putt, I’ll be thinking of you.”
During the meeting, Trump hailed Ukraine as “a great country” and praised Zelensky’s efforts, saying, “Your president is working very, very hard to make it that way,” while noting their joint mission “to bring it back to health.” The Ukrainian Golf Federation later expressed gratitude, stating, “The veteran community of the United By Golf club thanks Donald Trump for his leadership on the path to peace for Ukraine and his kind words to our brother-in-arms.” This exchange comes amid ongoing support for Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion and the recent June 2025 Israel-Iran air war, highlighting sports as a bridge amid global tensions.