Has Zelensky Thanked the U.S. for Aid? A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction
The claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not thanked the United States for its aid during the ongoing conflict with Russia has gained traction, particularly in political discourse. This assertion, however, is misleading and does not reflect the reality of Zelensky's public statements. In this article, we will explore the context of this claim, analyze the evidence surrounding Zelensky's expressions of gratitude, and provide a thorough understanding of the relationship between Ukraine and the United States.
Background
Since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has been a crucial ally to Ukraine, providing substantial military and financial assistance. This support has included billions of dollars in military aid, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic backing. In response to this support, Zelensky has publicly expressed gratitude on numerous occasions. However, recent comments from former President Donald Trump and others have suggested that Zelensky has been insufficiently appreciative of U.S. aid, leading to the claim that he has not thanked the U.S. for its support.
Analysis
The Nature of the Claim
The assertion that Zelensky has not thanked the U.S. is rooted in a specific incident during a tense meeting at the White House, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for allegedly failing to express gratitude. Trump stated, "You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards," implying that Zelensky's demeanor was disrespectful given the U.S. support for Ukraine [1][3]. This confrontation has been interpreted by some as evidence that Zelensky has not adequately acknowledged American assistance.
Zelensky's Expressions of Gratitude
Contrary to the claim, Zelensky has publicly thanked the United States numerous times since the beginning of the conflict. A fact-check by CNN highlighted at least 33 instances where Zelensky expressed gratitude to the U.S. and its leaders, including both Trump and President Biden [1][4]. For example, during a joint press conference with Biden on December 12, 2023, Zelensky stated, "Thank you, America, thank you for your support" [1]. This sentiment has been echoed in various speeches, social media posts, and public addresses.
In a viral video compilation, Zelensky was shown thanking America 94 times since the start of the invasion, demonstrating a consistent pattern of appreciation for U.S. support [2]. The video, produced by United24 Media, tracked daily addresses and noted that the actual number of thank-yous is likely higher, as it did not include all of Zelensky's remarks in Ukrainian [2].
The Impact of Political Context
The political context surrounding Zelensky's expressions of gratitude is significant. The U.S. has been a pivotal ally for Ukraine, and Zelensky's acknowledgments are often framed within the broader narrative of international support for Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy. His statements of thanks serve not only as expressions of gratitude but also as diplomatic gestures aimed at maintaining and strengthening U.S. support.
Moreover, the criticism from Trump and Vance appears to be more reflective of their political agendas than of Zelensky's actual behavior. The former president's remarks came amid a broader discussion about U.S. foreign policy and aid to Ukraine, which has become a contentious issue in American politics [3][6]. This context may have influenced the perception that Zelensky is ungrateful, despite the evidence to the contrary.
Evidence
The evidence supporting the claim that Zelensky has thanked the U.S. is robust. A detailed review of his public statements reveals a consistent pattern of gratitude. For instance:
- On December 21, 2022, during an address to the U.S. Congress, Zelensky stated, "I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people" [1].
- In a message on X (formerly Twitter) on November 20, 2023, he expressed gratitude for a new military aid package, saying, "I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, US Congress, and the entire American people" [1].
- Following a meeting with U.S. defense companies on December 11, 2023, he thanked American workers for their contributions to Ukraine's defense [1].
These examples illustrate that Zelensky has made a concerted effort to acknowledge U.S. support publicly and frequently.
Conclusion
The claim that President Zelensky has not thanked the United States for its aid is false. Evidence shows that he has expressed gratitude on numerous occasions, both publicly and privately. The narrative suggesting otherwise appears to be influenced by political motivations rather than factual accuracy. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, maintaining a strong relationship with the U.S. remains vital for Ukraine, and Zelensky's expressions of gratitude play an essential role in fostering that relationship.
References
- CNN. (2025). Fact check: 33 times Zelensky thanked Americans and US leaders. Retrieved from CNN
- Newsweek. (2025). Video of Zelensky Saying Thank You to America 94 Times Goes Viral. Retrieved from Newsweek
- Newsweek. (2025). Trump Halts US Aid to Ukraine After Fiery Clash with Zelensky. Retrieved from Newsweek
- Economic Times. (2025). Spasibo, America: 33 times when Zelenskyy publicly thanked Americans and U.S. leaders since 2022. Retrieved from Economic Times
- The Hill. (2025). Zelensky posts slew of thanks after Vance accuses him of being ungrateful for support. Retrieved from The Hill
- United24 Media. (2025). Fact-Check: Zelenskyy Has Thanked the U.S. at Least 94 Times. Retrieved from United24 Media
