The Ukrainian Presidential Office announced on 19/8 that the golf club belonged to Kostiantyn Kartavtsev, a Ukrainian soldier who lost his leg while rescuing comrades. Zelensky showed Trump a video of Kartavtsev, emphasizing that "golf has become part of his rehabilitation."

Kartavtsev also recorded a video message for President Trump, expressing his hope that the US would help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace.

Trump, a well-known golf enthusiast and owner of numerous golf courses, accepted the gift and presented Zelensky with a symbolic key to the White House.

President Trump holding the golf club, a gift from the Ukrainian veteran. Photo: X/United24Media

United by Golf, an organization of Ukrainian veterans, released a video on the same day showing Trump thanking Kartavtsev.

"I just watched your swing. I know a lot about golf, and your swing is great. You're an amazing person; keep playing golf and doing other things. Your country is a great country. We are working to help it recover," Trump said.

He added that he would not only use the club but also think of the Ukrainian soldier every time he was on the course. "This club is beautiful. I will use it. Every time I sink a putt, I will think of you," he pledged.

President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and President Donald Trump at the White House on 18/8. Photo: AFP

Zelensky gave Melania Trump a thank-you letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, praising the former first lady for writing to Russian President Vladimir Putin urging him to end the war so children could live in peace.

President Trump met with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on 18/8, three days after his meeting with Putin in Alaska.

The US leader affirmed his continued support for Ukraine and his desire to prevent civilian casualties. Trump also announced that he had called Putin the same day to arrange a summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders and a trilateral meeting involving the US.

Thanh Danh (Guardian, Politico, Spun)