Fact Check: Does Zelensky make more than 11 million dollars or euros a year, thrice as much as the chancellor of Germany?

Fact Check: "Does Zelensky make more than 11 million dollars or euros a year, thrice as much as the chancellor of Germany?"

What We Know

The claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earns over 11 million dollars or euros annually, which would be three times the salary of the German Chancellor, is not supported by the available evidence. According to a declaration of income published by the President of Ukraine on March 29, 2024, Zelensky's total income for the year 2023 amounted to UAH 12,423,008. This figure includes various sources of income such as salaries, bank interest, and rental income. When converted to USD, this amount is approximately $338,000, far below the claimed 11 million dollars or euros.

Additionally, the salary of the German Chancellor is reported to be around €32,700 per month, which translates to approximately €392,400 annually (around $420,000). This means that even the Chancellor's salary does not reach the figure claimed for Zelensky.

Analysis

The assertion that Zelensky earns more than 11 million dollars or euros annually is fundamentally flawed. The income declaration from the Ukrainian President indicates a total income of approximately $338,000 for 2023, which is significantly less than the claimed amount. Furthermore, the comparison to the German Chancellor's salary reveals that Zelensky's earnings are not only less than 11 million but also less than the Chancellor's annual salary.

The sources used to verify this information are credible. The income declaration from the Ukrainian government is an official document, providing a reliable account of Zelensky's financial situation. In contrast, the Wikipedia entry on heads of state and government salaries compiles verified data from multiple reliable sources, making it a trustworthy reference for comparative salary analysis.

Moreover, other reports corroborate Zelensky's salary, indicating that he earns around $566 per month, which aligns with the figures presented in the income declaration (source-5). This further emphasizes the discrepancy between the claim and the actual earnings of the Ukrainian President.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Volodymyr Zelensky makes more than 11 million dollars or euros a year, which would be three times the salary of the German Chancellor, is false. The evidence shows that Zelensky's total income for 2023 was approximately $338,000, a figure that is significantly lower than the claim. Additionally, the salary of the German Chancellor is also higher than Zelensky's reported income, further disproving the assertion.

Sources

1. The President of Ukraine published a declaration ...
2. List of heads of state and government salaries - Wikipedia
3. Ukraine's Zelenskiy publishes income as part of ...
4. How much does Zelensky earn? Salary and net worth of Ukraine's president
5. Zelensky's salary is 28,000 hryvnias ($566) per month, while his office ...