Zelenskyy Has Thanked The US at Least 33 Times, CNN Fact-Check Indicates

According to a CNN fact-check, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly expressed gratitude to U.S. leaders and the American people at least 33 times since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. This analysis follows remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during their meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on February 28.

During the meeting, Trump and Vance suggested that Zelenskyy had not been sufficiently appreciative. Trump stated, “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards,” and later added, “You gotta be more thankful.” Vance followed by asking, “Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?”

CNN’s analysis highlights multiple instances where Zelenskyy publicly thanked the United States for its diplomatic, military, and financial support. The fact-check does not include Zelenskyy’s statements in Ukrainian made to domestic audiences.

Since 2022, Zelenskyy has expressed appreciation for bipartisan support from Congress, U.S. defense companies, and American citizens.

Specific examples include statements on social media, press conferences with U.S. officials, speeches at institutions such as the National Archives and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, and remarks during visits to U.S. defense industry facilities.

Following the February 28 meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy reiterated his gratitude in a post on 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 fact-check outlines multiple instances from 2022 to 2025 where Zelenskyy thanked U.S. leaders, including both Trump and former President Joe Biden. Notable moments include his speech before the U.S. Congress in December 2022, where he expressed appreciation to American families and lawmakers, and his meeting with Biden in June 2024, where he acknowledged U.S. military and financial assistance as critical to Ukraine’s defense.

In 2022, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude at least five times, including statements thanking the U.S. for diplomatic and military support. In 2023, Zelenskyy’s gratitude was recorded in at least eight public statements, including remarks during press conferences, speeches at American institutions, and social media posts. In 2024, he expressed thanks at least 18 times, including during visits to the U.S. defense sector and meetings with American officials.

Since the start of 2025, Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged U.S. support on multiple occasions, underscoring the country’s role in maintaining international unity in response to the war.