Zelensky thanked Americans and US leaders at least 33 times for help – CNN

CNN journalists fact-checked critical comments made by US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance during their meeting with the Ukrainian leader on February 28, Ukrinform reports.

During a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday, both Trump and Vance told Zelensky he was not grateful enough.

“You have to be grateful. You don't have the cards,” Trump said, adding later: “You have to be more grateful.”

“Did you say thank you even once during the entire meeting?” Vance asked.

In this context, the authors of the article noted: “It is worth emphasizing that Zelensky has repeatedly expressed gratitude to the United States since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, expressing appreciation to Trump and President Joe Biden, members of Congress of both parties, American defense companies and their workers, and American President Pele.”

Even after the Ukrainian president left the White House early on February 28, he left a thankful message on the social media site X, emphasizing the importance of a just peace.

“Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American President. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and we are working for this,” the message says.

CNN's reporters pointed to at least 33 previous instances of Zelensky thanking or acknowledging the United States, its officials, or its pele for support. The authors also noted that they did not review “many of Zelensky's internal remarks in Ukrainian.”

In particular, journalists cited five statements by Zelensky from January to December 2022, in which he expressed gratitude to Biden and the United States for diplomatic, military and financial support for Ukraine. His speech in the US Congress was also mentioned.

Zelensky made eight more statements of gratitude in 2023 — at a press conference with Biden, during speeches at the National Archives and the National Defense University, and on X's social media.

In 2024, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the United States 18 times — in more than a dozen social media posts, during meetings and conversations with Biden, during a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in the United States, and to a Pennsylvania plant that produces some of the most needed ammunition for Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.

Since the beginning of 2025, Zelensky has expressed gratitude at least twice for the continued support of Ukraine's independence and for the important role the United States has played in uniting the international community.

A meeting between the Ukrainian and US presidents at the White House on February 28 was cut short after disagreements arose over the facts of the war in Ukraine and trust in talks with Putin. No agreement on mineral resources between the two countries was signed.

In connection with this incident, leaders of European countries expressed their support for Ukraine.

Commenting on the situation, President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that disputes like the one that took place in the White House during his meeting with Donald Trump do not benefit either side. However, he stressed that Ukraine “cannot change its Ukrainian attitude towards Russians” and does not want them to continue killing Ukrainians.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine