Key Takeaways:
- President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed zero gratitude for US efforts in the war against Russia.
- Zelensky has actually expressed gratitude to the US and its leaders on numerous occasions, including in public speeches, social media posts, and private meetings.
- The Ukrainian president has thanked Trump personally, as well as other US officials, including President Joe Biden, for their support in the war.
- Zelensky’s expressions of gratitude have been documented in over 78 instances, including public statements, social media posts, and official meetings.
- The US has provided significant military and economic aid to Ukraine, which Zelensky has acknowledged and thanked the US for on multiple occasions.
Introduction to the Controversy
President Donald Trump sparked controversy on social media by claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed zero gratitude for US efforts in the war against Russia. However, this claim is not supported by evidence, and in fact, Zelensky has expressed gratitude to the US and its leaders on numerous occasions. This article will examine the instances in which Zelensky has thanked the US and its leaders, and provide context to the controversy surrounding Trump’s claim.
A History of Gratitude
Zelensky has been expressing gratitude to the US and its leaders since the start of the war in 2022. In a virtual address to the US Congress on March 16, 2022, Zelensky thanked the US for its "overwhelming support" and acknowledged the importance of US leadership in the free world. He also thanked President Joe Biden for his personal involvement and commitment to the defense of Ukraine. Since then, Zelensky has continued to express gratitude to the US and its leaders, including Trump, for their support in the war.
Public Expressions of Gratitude
Zelensky has publicly thanked the US and its leaders on numerous occasions, including in speeches, social media posts, and interviews. For example, on July 4, 2022, Zelensky posted on social media, "I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on the US Independence Day. We – in Ukraine – are grateful for all the support provided." He has also thanked the US for specific forms of aid, such as military assistance and economic support. On August 19, 2022, Zelensky posted on social media, "I highly appreciate another (American) military aid package in the amount of $775 million. Thank you @POTUS for this decision!"
Private Meetings and Diplomatic Efforts
In addition to public expressions of gratitude, Zelensky has also thanked US leaders in private meetings and diplomatic efforts. For example, in a meeting with President Biden on December 21, 2022, Zelensky thanked the US for its "large-scale military and economic support" and acknowledged the importance of US leadership in the free world. He has also met with other US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, to discuss cooperation and express gratitude for US support.
Trump’s Claim and Zelensky’s Response
Trump’s claim that Zelensky has expressed zero gratitude for US efforts in the war against Russia is not supported by evidence. In fact, Zelensky has thanked Trump personally on several occasions, including in a meeting on February 12, 2025, where he expressed gratitude for Trump’s "genuine interest in our shared opportunities" and his efforts to bring peace to Ukraine. Zelensky has also responded to Trump’s claim on social media, posting on November 23, 2025, "Ukraine is grateful to the United States, to every American heart, and personally to President Trump for the assistance that – starting with the Javelins – has been saving Ukrainian lives."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zelensky has expressed gratitude to the US and its leaders on numerous occasions, including in public speeches, social media posts, and private meetings. Trump’s claim that Zelensky has expressed zero gratitude for US efforts in the war against Russia is not supported by evidence and is a clear misrepresentation of the facts. The US has provided significant military and economic aid to Ukraine, and Zelensky has acknowledged and thanked the US for this support on multiple occasions. As the war in Ukraine continues, it is essential to recognize the importance of US-Ukraine cooperation and the gratitude that Zelensky has expressed for US support.