Zelenskyy on U.S. Agreement: “I Will Not Sign What Ten Generations of Ukrainians Will Have to Repay”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he will not sign an agreement with the United States that would require Ukraine to repay financial assistance for generations. He emphasized the need for direct negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to a UNITED24 Media correspondent, Zelenskyy made these remarks during 'Ukraine. Year 2025' forum conference, addressing the conditions under which Ukraine receives aid from the U.S.

“If the condition is that the United States provides assistance but expects it to be returned with profit, then this is a loan, not a grant. This is a new type of agreement, and I am ready for such a discussion,” Zelenskyy said.

He noted that Ukraine is open to negotiations but wants clear terms regarding the scale and cost of the assistance. “If the requirement is to sign an agreement in order to receive aid, then let’s discuss it. Is it $10 billion, $20 billion, or $30 billion in weapons or direct financial assistance? Let’s talk, and let’s establish the cost of this assistance,” he added.

Zelenskyy highlighted a specific clause in the proposed agreement, which he asked legal experts to review. “There is a provision stating that for every dollar received, Ukraine must return two. This means a 100% loan,” he explained. According to him, while the agreement mentions a 50/50 management structure, all rights to the fund remain with the US.

If such a structure is accepted, he added, Ukraine would be required to return double the amount received. “If the U.S. Congress approves $50 billion in aid, Ukraine would have to return $100 billion,” he stated.

Addressing previous financial support from the U.S., Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine does not recognize grants as debt. “We received $100 billion in aid, and that is a fact. But I am not going to recognize $500 billion or any other speculative figure. With all due respect to our partners, I stand firm on this,” he said.

He stressed that during discussions with the previous U.S. administration, Ukraine secured grants that did not require repayment. “If today the U.S. proposes assistance that must be repaid, then this is a different type of agreement, and I am ready to discuss it,” he added.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of negotiating fair terms. “I want a direct dialogue with Trump. If the US seeks a pragmatic agreement, we can discuss it pragmatically. I have experience signing agreements with serious partners, and they should be structured in a way that maintains partnership and avoids disputes,” he said.