Clash in the Oval Office

A tense meeting unfolded in the Oval Office this past Friday, where President Donald Trump and vice President JD Vance voiced their concerns regarding what they perceived as a lack of sufficient gratitude from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The exchange highlighted a growing debate over the nature of international aid and the expectations surrounding expressions of appreciation.

during the meeting, President Trump reportedly told Zelensky, you have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. He further emphasized his point, adding, You gotta be more thankful.

Vice President Vance echoed President Trump’s sentiments, directly questioning Zelensky, Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?

Zelensky’s Public Expressions of Gratitude

The assertions made by Trump and Vance stand in stark contrast to a considerable record of public statements in wich Zelensky has repeatedly thanked the United States for its ongoing support. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in Febuary 2022, Zelensky has consistently expressed his gratitude to various American entities, including Presidents Trump and joe Biden, members of Congress from both parties, U.S. defense companies and their employees, and the American people.

Following his White House visit on Friday, Zelensky took to X, stating: Thank you america, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.

The following are examples of Zelensky thanking or expressing gratitude toward the United States, its officials, or its people for their support. This list is not exhaustive and does not include Zelensky’s many domestic remarks in Ukrainian.

Examples of Gratitude

• January 21, 2022, on X: Thank you @POTUS for the unprecedented (American) diplomatic and military assistance for (Ukraine).
• July 1, 2022, on X: I commend US historic decision to provide UA with new security assistance package, including modern air defense systems. Thank you @POTUS for your continued leadership and support of UA in its fight against the aggressor. Together towards the victory!
• August 19, 2022, on X: I highly appreciate another (American) military aid package in the amount of $775 million. Thank you @POTUS for this decision! We have taken another crucial step to defeat the aggressor. (Ukraine) will be free!
• December 21, 2022, meeting with Biden: Thank you so much, Mr. President. Of course thanks bipartisan support. Thanks Congress. And thanks from our, just, ordinary people to your ordinary people, Americans. I really appreciate.
• December 21, 2022, address to US Congress: Now, on this special Christmastime, I want to thank you, all of you. I thank every American family which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people. I thank President Biden and both parties, at the senate and the House, for your invaluable assistance. I thank your cities and your citizens who supported ukraine this year, who hosted our Ukrainians, our people, who waved our national flags, who acted to help us. Thank you all, from everyone who is now at the front line, from everyone who is awaiting victory. And: Financial assistance is also critically critically important, and I would like to thank you, thank you very much, thank you for both financial packages you have already provided us with and the ones you might potentially be willing to decide on.
• September 21,2023,meeting with Biden: thank you so much,Mr. President, so warm and strong words to all the Ukrainians from you. Thank you. Thank you, appreciate – I’m glad to meet you…Thank you for the invitation. Our regular dialog is proof that our countries are really, truly allies and strategic friends. And we greatly appreciate that vital assistance provided by the United states to Ukraine to combat Russian terror, really terror.
• September 21, 2023, address at the National Archives: ther is not a single soul here today who would not care what happens to freedom. and there is not a soul in Ukraine that does not feel gratitude to you, America. To you – the people who help us not as you have to, but because your heart cannot let you do or else. Thank you. that is humanity. This is what makes us Ukraine. That’s what makes you America. And: Thank you,America!

President zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude for International support Amid Ongoing Conflict

Beyond his direct expressions of thanks to U.S. leaders and citizens, President Zelenskyy has consistently acknowledged the broader impact of international support on Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian aggression. His remarks often highlight the tangible benefits of security assistance and the crucial role it plays in defending his nation.

Acknowledging U.S. Security assistance

On August 9, 2024, President zelenskyy conveyed his appreciation for a substantial security assistance package from the united States. Taking to the social media platform X, he specifically thanked @POTUS Joe Biden, members of both parties in Congress, and the American people for their continued commitment to Ukraine’s security.

Thank @POTUS Joe Biden, both parties in Congress, and the American people for the security assistance package announced today.

This expression of gratitude underscores Ukraine’s reliance on international support to maintain its defense capabilities against ongoing threats. The security assistance package is a crucial component of the broader U.S. effort to help Ukraine protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Gratitude to Ammunition Factory Workers in Pennsylvania

President Zelenskyy visited an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania on September 22, 2024, where he directly addressed the workers, acknowledging the profound impact of their contributions to Ukraine’s defense. His remarks emphasized the tangible difference their work makes in protecting Ukrainian lives.

you said that 400 people work here. But I wanted very much to come here and thank you; 400 people saved millions of Ukrainians,because of the result of your work.I am very thankful. Just from ordinary Ukrainians to you.
Remarks at ammunition factory in Pennsylvania,September 22,2024

This visit highlighted the critical role of manufacturing and supply chains in sustaining Ukraine’s defense efforts. By personally thanking the factory workers, Zelenskyy underscored the human element behind the international support, emphasizing that their labor directly contributes to saving lives and defending freedom in Ukraine. The visit also served to strengthen the bond between the Ukrainian people and the American workers who support their cause.

May 24, 2024: Gratitude for new Military Aid Package

President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to President Biden, the U.S. Congress (both parties),and the American people for a newly announced military aid package. This aid is crucial for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.

I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, U.S. Congress and its both parties, and also the American people for the new military aid package announced today.

June 7,2024: Meeting with Biden in Paris

During a meeting with President Biden on June 7,2024,Zelenskyy expressed profound gratitude for the significant military,financial,and humanitarian support provided by the U.S. He emphasized the importance of continued bipartisan support from Congress and the unity of the American people with Ukraine, drawing parallels to the United States’ role in saving Europe during World War Two.

Thank you so much,Mr. President. First of all, thank you so much for your significant support – you, your administration. We’re very thankful from all Ukrainians to your military support, financial support, humanitarian one. and, of course, it’s very critically important…It’s very important that you stay with us. This bipartisan support with the Congress – it’s very important that in this unity, the United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine. Like it was during World War Two, how the United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe – and we count on your continuing support and standing with us shoulder to shoulder. Thank you so much.

June 13, 2024: Joint Press Conference with biden in Italy

At a joint press conference with President Biden on June 13, 2024, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. Congress for its support, acknowledging both parties and chambers. He also extended his gratitude to every American who supports freedom and stands with Ukraine.

Mr. President,thank you,your team. I would also like to thank the United States Congress for their support — both parties, both chambers. Thank you. And thanks to every American heart that does not betray freedom and supports us.

June 13, 2024: Message to Ukrainians

In a message to the Ukrainian people on June 13, 2024, Zelenskyy highlighted the long-term agreement with the United States, emphasizing its support during both wartime and peacetime. He reiterated the shared vision of a just peace and thanked President Biden, both parties and chambers of Congress, and the American people.

Importantly, the agreement with the United states now stipulates support for Ukraine both during wartime and in peacetime. It is indeed truly long-term. We have the same vision of peace – peace that is just for our people. Thank you, President Biden, thank you to both parties and chambers of Congress, thank you, America!

July 3, 2024: Acknowledging Military Aid Packages

Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to President Biden, both parties in Congress, and the entire American people for the latest military aid packages on July 3, 2024. These packages are essential for bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, both parties in Congress, and the entire American people for today’s military aid packages.

july 4, 2024: Independence Day Message

On the Fourth of July, 2024, Zelenskyy thanked America and every American who stands in solidarity with Ukrainians fighting for independence. He wished the united States strength, unity, and unwavering belief in the triumph of good over evil.

Thank you, America. Thank you to every American heart that beats in solidarity with brave Ukrainian hearts fighting for independence. I wish the United States and all Americans strength, unity, and unwavering belief in the triumph of good over evil, liberty over tyranny, and life over terror. #4thOfJuly

july 9,2024: Address at ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

During an address at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on July 9,2024,Zelenskyy thanked mr. Mitch McConnell for his firmness in defending freedom and for his visits to ukraine.He also expressed gratitude for the decision to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems and prioritize air defense interceptors.

Mr. (Mitch) McConnell,I am grateful for your firmness in defending freedom,and for your visits to Ukraine to see how important it is to win,to win now. To prevail over the Russian war and terror.
And all these steps would strengthen us – as today’s extraordinary decision of the US and partners to provide Ukraine with additional five Patriot air defense systems and dozens of others, and prioritize air defense interceptors for Ukraine. Ukrainian people are grateful for that. Thank you so much!

July 11, 2024: Meeting with Biden

Zelenskyy thanked President Biden, his team, his administration, Congress (both parties and chambers), and all Americans for their vital and strong support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people on July 11, 2024.

And I’m grateful to you; your team; your administration; of course, Congress – both parties, both chambers; and all Americans – for their vital and your strong support of Ukraine and Ukrainian people.

July 11, 2024: Appreciation for Air Defense Systems

Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for President Biden’s decision to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses with five new Patriot systems and other systems on July 11, 2024. He thanked President Biden, his team, the administration, Congress, and the American people for their vital support.

We appreciate President Joe Biden’s decision to strengthen our air defenses with five new patriot systems and dozens of other systems. This strong decision will help us combat Russian terror. I’m grateful to President @POTUS, his team, the administration, Congress – both parties, both houses – and the entire American people for their vital support of the Ukrainians. Together, we are saving lives of our people.

July 21, 2024: Acknowledging Unwavering Support

Zelenskyy conveyed Ukraine’s gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering support, emphasizing its critical role, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States on July 21, 2024. He acknowledged Biden’s leadership during a dramatic moment in history, his assistance in preventing occupation, and his continued support throughout the conflict.

Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical…We will always be thankful for President Biden’s leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war.

September 6,2024: Continued Gratitude

President Zelenskyy continues to express his gratitude to the united States for ongoing support,as evidenced by a message on September 6,2024.

I am grateful to @POTUS