In a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude. “You need to show appreciation. You have no leverage,” Trump asserted, later adding, “You should be more thankful.” Vance chimed in, asking Zelensky if he had expressed gratitude even once during the meeting.
While Trump may have been referencing Zelensky’s attitude towards him specifically, Vance seemed to echo the sentiment. However, amidst the heated exchange, it’s important to recognize that Zelensky has repeatedly thanked the United States since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, extending gratitude to Trump, President Joe Biden, bipartisan members of Congress, US defense companies and their employees, and the American people.
After departing the White House on Friday, Zelensky took to X to express his gratitude: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, and we are diligently working towards that goal.”
Here are 33 past instances of Zelensky expressing gratitude towards the United States, its leaders, or its citizens for their support. This list is not exhaustive, and domestic statements in Ukrainian were not included.
January 21, 2022, on X: “Thank you @POTUS for the unprecedented diplomatic and military support for Ukraine.”
July 1, 2022, on X: “I applaud the US’ historic decision to provide Ukraine with new security assistance, including modern air defense systems. Thank you @POTUS for your steadfast leadership and support in our fight against the aggressor. Together towards victory!”
August 19, 2022, on X: “I am deeply grateful for the additional military aid package of $775 million from the US. Thank you @POTUS for this crucial decision! We have taken another significant step towards defeating the aggressor. Ukraine will achieve freedom!”
December 21, 2022, during a meeting with Biden: “Thank you so much, Mr. President. Gratitude for the bipartisan support. Thanks to Congress. And gratitude from our ordinary people to the ordinary Americans. I truly appreciate it.”
December 21, 2022, addressing the US Congress: “On this special Christmastime, I want to express my gratitude to all of you. I thank every American family that shares the warmth of their homes and extends that warmth to others. I thank President Biden and both parties in the Senate and the House for your invaluable support. I extend my thanks to your cities and citizens who stood by Ukraine, hosted our people, waived our flags, and aided us. Thank you to everyone, from those on the front lines to those awaiting victory.” Additionally, “Financial assistance is
Assistance provided by the United States to Ukraine in combating Russian aggression was acknowledged in various public statements by Ukrainian President. On September 21, 2023, during an address at the National Archives, the President expressed gratitude to the American people for their support, highlighting the genuine care shown towards Ukraine. He emphasized the significance of this aid, not out of obligation, but driven by sincere compassion. The President extended heartfelt thanks to America for their humanitarian gestures and solidarity, defining it as the bond that united Ukraine and the United States. Subsequent statements on November 20, 2023, and December 6, 2023, reiterated appreciation for the new military aid package and support from President Joe Biden, Congress, and the American people.
Further expressions of gratitude were shared on November 23, 2023, as the President, alongside Olena Zelenska, extended Thanksgiving wishes to all Americans, recognizing the empathy and support shown during Ukraine’s challenges. The President credited American backing and global leadership for saving countless Ukrainian lives, underscoring the meaningful impact of this solidarity. On December 11, 2023, during a meeting with US defense industry leaders, the President lauded the efforts of American workers in producing weapons that bolstered Ukraine’s defense capabilities, conveying profound appreciation for their contributions.
During a speech at the National Defense University on December 11, 2023, the President commended Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other officials for their unwavering support and alliance with Ukraine. Acknowledgments were also made towards American air defense systems and military assistance, highlighting the cooperation in safeguarding Ukraine against Russian aggression. A joint press conference with President Biden on December 12, 2023, further emphasized the collaborative efforts in defending life and freedom, showcasing the resilience of Ukrainian-American cooperation against Russian threats.
In subsequent interactions, such as the meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on January 16, 2024, and statements made on March 12, 2024, the President reiterated his gratitude towards President Biden, the US administration, Congress, and the American people for their consistent support and leadership in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. These expressions of thanks underscore the deep appreciation for the solidarity and assistance provided by the United States in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom and security.
March 20, 2024: “I appreciate the United States and its people for the $300 million military aid package to address Ukraine’s urgent needs for artillery, antitank weapons, and air defense,” said on X. “Today, I had a productive meeting with National Security Advisor @JakeSullivan46, and I am thankful for the continued support from the United States in safeguarding international order.”
April 20, 2024: Following Congress’s approval of additional aid for Ukraine, a message was shared on Telegram and X expressing gratitude: “Thank you, America!”
May 24, 2024: On X, a statement was made expressing gratitude to @POTUS Joe Biden, the U.S. Congress, both parties, and the American people for the newly announced military aid package.
June 7, 2024: During a meeting with President Biden, appreciation was shown for the significant support provided by the U.S. administration, including military, financial, and humanitarian aid. The importance of continued unity and support from the United States was emphasized.
June 13, 2024: A joint press conference with President Biden conveyed thanks to his team, the U.S. Congress, and the American people for their unwavering support towards Ukraine.
June 13, 2024: In a message to Ukrainians, the long-term agreement with the United States for support in wartime and peacetime was highlighted, emphasizing shared values and visions for peace.
July 3, 2024: Gratitude was expressed to President Biden, Congress, and the American people for the latest military aid packages on X.
July 4, 2024: A message of thanks was shared on X, appreciating the solidarity from Americans standing with Ukraine in its fight for independence and wishing strength and unity on Independence Day.
July 9, 2024: At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, appreciation was extended to Mr. (Mitch) McConnell for his commitment to defending freedom and support for Ukraine’s efforts to overcome challenges.
July 11, 2024: During a meeting with President Biden, gratitude was expressed to him, his team, the administration, Congress, and all Americans for their crucial and robust support of Ukraine.
July 11, 2024: On X, acknowledgement was made of President Biden’s decision to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses with five new Patriot systems.
s and dozens of other systems. This resolute choice will assist us in countering Russian terror. I extend my gratitude to President @POTUS, his team, the administration, Congress – encompassing both parties and both houses – as well as the entire American populace for their indispensable backing of the Ukrainian people. In unity, we are safeguarding the lives of our citizens.”July 21, 2024, on X: “Ukraine expresses its appreciation to President Biden for his steadfast support in Ukraine’s struggle for liberty, which, coupled with robust bipartisan backing in the United States, has been and remains pivotal… We will forever be thankful for President Biden’s guidance. He stood by our nation during the most critical juncture in history, aided us in thwarting Putin’s attempt to occupy our land, and has prolonged his support throughout this dire conflict.”September 6, 2024, on X: “I am thankful to @POTUS Joe Biden, both congressional parties, and the American populace for the security aid package revealed today.”September 22, 2024, remarks at an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania: “You mentioned that 400 individuals are employed here. However, I was eager to visit and express my gratitude; 400 individuals saved millions of Ukrainians due to the outcome of your labor. I am deeply appreciative. From ordinary Ukrainians to you.”September 26, 2024, meeting with Biden: “Mr. President, I appreciate your unwavering support, the decisions that are bolstering our ability to shield Ukraine, Ukrainians, our aspirations. We profoundly value that Ukraine and America have stood shoulder to shoulder since the inception of this horrific Russian incursion. Your resolve is of immense significance for our triumph.”December 7, 2024, on X: “I engaged in a fruitful and constructive trilateral meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace. President Trump remains steadfast, as always. I express my thanks. Also, I convey my appreciation to Emmanuel for orchestrating this pivotal gathering.”January 10, 2025, on X: “I conversed with @POTUS and conveyed my sympathies regarding the catastrophic wildfires in California and the tragic loss of lives…I also expressed gratitude for the resolute support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the pivotal role the United States has played in uniting the global community.”February 12, 2025, on X: “I engaged in a significant dialogue with @POTUS. We extensively deliberated on opportunities for achieving peace, explored our readiness to collaborate at the team level, and Ukraine’s technological capabilities—including drones and other advanced industries. I am thankful to President Trump for his keen interest in our potential collaborative achievements.”For more CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
