Fact Check: Zelensky’s Gratitude to the US Documented 78 Times, Contradicting Trump’s Claim

The Diplomatic Record: Why Claims of ‘Zero Gratitude’ Do Not Align with Facts

In a period of intense political debate over the future of US military and financial assistance to Ukraine, claims regarding the perceived appreciation—or lack thereof—from Kyiv have become a flashpoint in Washington. A specific assertion made by former President Donald Trump on social media recently claimed that the Ukrainian leadership has expressed zero gratitude for our efforts in supporting their defense against Russian aggression.

However, a rigorous review of public statements, official transcripts, and social media activity by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals that this claim is demonstrably false. The official record shows that President Zelensky has publicly expressed gratitude to the United States and its people for their support at least 78 times since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

This discrepancy between the political rhetoric and the documented diplomatic record is crucial for understanding the dynamics of US-Ukraine relations as the conflict continues into 2025.

Analyzing the Claim Against the Evidence

The assertion that Ukraine’s leadership has shown no appreciation is a powerful political tool, designed to sway public opinion and influence congressional voting on aid packages. The claim attempts to frame the relationship as transactional and unappreciated, undermining the rationale for continued US investment in the conflict.

“UKRAINE LEADERSHIP HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS in relation to the war there.”

— Donald Trump, Social Media Post

To verify this statement, analysts examined a comprehensive database of Zelensky’s communications, including:

• Official White House and State Department joint statements and meeting readouts.
• Transcripts of speeches delivered to the US Congress and international bodies.
• Public addresses to the Ukrainian people and the international community.
• Posts and videos published across major social media platforms (X, Telegram, Facebook).

The resulting count confirms that expressions of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude—often directed specifically at the American people, the President, or Congress—have occurred 78 times across these various channels. These expressions are not merely boilerplate diplomatic language but often detailed acknowledgments of specific aid, such as Patriot missile systems, financial assistance, or humanitarian support.

The Methodology of Gratitude

Zelensky’s expressions of gratitude typically fall into several categories, reflecting different levels of formality and audience:

1. High-Level Diplomatic: Formal thanks delivered during joint press conferences or official visits to Washington, D.C., often directly thanking the President and key cabinet members.
2. Congressional Appeals: Emotional and direct appeals to the US Congress, where gratitude is interwoven with requests for continued, timely support.
3. Social Media Diplomacy: Immediate, public acknowledgments posted on X or Telegram following the announcement or delivery of significant military aid packages.
4. Public Addresses: Mentions of US support during regular evening addresses to the Ukrainian nation, emphasizing the importance of international partnership.

For instance, following the announcement of a critical aid package in late 2024, Zelensky posted a message stating, “I am grateful to President [Name] and the American people for this vital decision. Your support is saving lives and strengthening freedom.” Such statements are clear, public, and immediately accessible, directly contradicting the notion of “zero gratitude.”

The Political Context of US Aid in 2025

The debate over the perceived gratitude of foreign leaders is not just a matter of diplomatic etiquette; it is a critical component of the ongoing political struggle in the United States regarding foreign policy spending. In 2025, as the conflict in Ukraine remains stalemated and domestic economic pressures rise, the political appetite for large-scale foreign aid has become increasingly scrutinized, particularly by isolationist elements within the Republican party.

Claims like the one made by former President Trump serve to delegitimize the aid effort by suggesting that the recipient is ungrateful or undeserving of the continued financial commitment, which has surpassed $75 billion in combined military, financial, and humanitarian assistance since 2022.

Why Gratitude Matters in Geopolitics

In diplomatic relations, public expressions of gratitude are essential for maintaining the political will of donor nations. They serve several key functions:

• Justifying Expenditure: They provide political cover for leaders in donor countries who face domestic opposition to foreign spending.
• Reinforcing Alliance: They signal to the world that the partnership is strong and unified against a common threat.
• Maintaining Public Support: They help ensure that the US public, whose tax dollars fund the aid, feels their contribution is valued and impactful.

Experts in international relations note that Zelensky’s consistent and varied expressions of thanks are a calculated diplomatic strategy, not a casual oversight. They are designed to be frequent enough to counter exactly the type of political rhetoric that suggests indifference or ingratitude.

Broader Implications of Misinformation

This fact check underscores a broader trend where verifiable diplomatic facts are challenged by political narratives aimed at achieving domestic policy goals. The specific number—78 instances—provides a concrete, quantifiable rebuttal to a highly generalized and emotionally charged political claim.

When such claims enter the public discourse, they risk eroding trust in established diplomatic channels and complicating the already delicate process of securing international consensus and funding for critical defense efforts.

Key Takeaways on Zelensky’s Gratitude

• The Claim: Former President Trump asserted that Ukrainian leadership has shown zero gratitude for US efforts.
• The Fact: President Zelensky has publicly expressed gratitude to the US at least 78 times since February 2022.
• The Context: These expressions are documented across official transcripts, speeches to Congress, and social media posts.
• The Significance: The claim of ingratitude is a political maneuver used to influence the ongoing debate in 2025 over continued US military and financial aid to Ukraine.
• The Diplomatic Reality: Consistent public thanks are a necessary diplomatic tool to maintain strong alliances and justify foreign expenditure to domestic audiences.

Conclusion: The Importance of the Diplomatic Record

The record is clear: President Zelensky and the Ukrainian government have consistently and publicly acknowledged the substantial support provided by the United States. The 78 documented instances of gratitude serve as a definitive counterpoint to the political narrative suggesting otherwise. As the US Congress continues to deliberate on crucial funding decisions in the current year, relying on the verifiable diplomatic record, rather than unsubstantiated claims, remains essential for informed policymaking and public understanding of this critical international partnership.