On Sunday, President Donald Trump took to social media, asserting that "Ukraine ‘leadership’ has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts" concerning the ongoing conflict in the country. This statement, however, is far from accurate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly expressed gratitude to the United States on numerous occasions since Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022. In fact, there are at least 78 instances where Zelensky has acknowledged American support, directly contradicting Trump's claim.
Since the beginning of the war, Zelensky has consistently thanked the United States for its military and humanitarian assistance. He has expressed appreciation not only to President Trump but also to other American leaders and the American public. This gratitude has been conveyed through social media posts, public speeches, and in meetings with U.S. officials. For instance, during a meeting with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll last week, Zelensky reiterated his thanks, saying, “We are very grateful to President Trump, to the United States, to the entire American people.”
Just hours after Trump's misleading statement, Zelensky posted on social media platform X, stating, “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.” This is not an isolated incident; over 40 expressions of gratitude to the U.S. and its leaders have been documented on X alone.
For example, in September, he expressed gratitude for “strong cooperation with the United States.” In August, he thanked President Biden for efforts toward “a just and lasting peace.” On July 4th, Zelensky congratulated the American people on Independence Day, highlighting the support Ukraine has received. His consistent outreach signifies a strong diplomatic relationship, despite any claims to the contrary.
Trump's statement appears to have been made in response to Zelensky's pushback against a controversial 28-point plan proposed by the Trump administration aimed at ending the war, which included concessions to Russia. This plan has been met with skepticism from many, including Zelensky. Additionally, Trump's comments echo a previous meeting where he suggested that Zelensky needed to be “more thankful,” further complicating the narrative surrounding U.S.-Ukraine relations.
To address the discrepancies in Trump's claims, a detailed list has been compiled, showcasing over 78 instances where Zelensky has expressed gratitude towards the U.S. This includes a range of communications, from public addresses to private meetings. The list serves to highlight the ongoing appreciation that Ukraine holds for American support amidst the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, President Trump’s assertion that Ukraine's leadership has shown no gratitude is demonstrably false. President Zelensky's numerous acknowledgments and expressions of thanks underscore the vital role that American support has played in Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. This relationship is crucial not only for Ukraine's defense but also for maintaining global stability and democracy.