Claim: During a White House meeting, former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not being sufficiently thankful for U.S. support.
Fact: Contrary to Trump and Vance’s assertion, Zelensky has repeatedly expressed gratitude to the United States, its leaders, and its people for their support since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Multiple instances of public acknowledgments, including speeches, social media posts, and direct statements to U.S. officials, substantiate his appreciation.
Evidence:
- January 21, 2022 (X/Twitter) – “Thank you @POTUS for the unprecedented (American) diplomatic and military assistance for (Ukraine).”
- July 1, 2022 (X/Twitter) – “I commend US historic decision to provide UA with new security assistance package…Thank you @POTUS for your continued leadership.”
- December 21, 2022 (Speech to U.S. Congress) – “I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people…Thank you all, from everyone who is now at the front line.”
- November 23, 2023 (X/Twitter) – “We thank you, the people of America. We know how many of you sincerely sympathize with our struggle…Thanks to American support and global leadership, millions of Ukrainian lives have been saved.”
- December 12, 2023 (Joint Press Conference with Biden) – “Thank you, America, for your support.”
- June 7, 2024 (Meeting with Biden) – “First of all, thank you so much for your significant support – you, your administration. We’re very thankful from all Ukrainians.”
- July 4, 2024 (X/Twitter) – “Thank you, America. Thank you to every American heart that beats in solidarity with brave Ukrainian hearts.”
This is just a selection of the documented instances in which Zelensky has publicly thanked the U.S. The list is not exhaustive, but it clearly refutes the claim that he has been ungrateful.
Conclusion: The claim that Zelensky has not expressed sufficient gratitude to the U.S. is false. Public records and statements show that he has consistently thanked U.S. leaders, Congress, defense companies, and the American people. The remarks by Trump and Vance appear to be a misrepresentation of Zelensky’s stance rather than a factual assertion.