Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s U.S. Aid Was a Grant, Not a Loan—We Won’t Acknowledge Debt

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he will not recognize an agreement that would leave Ukraine owing the United States $500 billion, speaking at the “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum on February 23.

He emphasized that the terms of the U.S. deal regarding Ukraine’s natural resources resembled debt obligations rather than aid.

“I know we received $100 billion, but I’m not going to recognize $500 billion—no matter what anyone says, with all due respect to our partners” Zelenskyy stated.

He underscored that his agreement with President Joe Biden classified the financial assistance as a grant, not a loan.

“A grant is not a debt. I don’t even recognize the $100 billion as a debt, and we won’t accept it as such,” he said.

Zelenskyy made it clear that he would not sign any deal that would force future generations of Ukrainians to bear the financial burden.

“I won’t sign something that ten generations of Ukrainians will have to repay.”

Addressing the prospect of a new agreement under a potential Trump administration, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would be open to negotiating a fresh deal if it involved repayment terms for new aid.

“If Trump is ready to sign a new agreement where we repay money for new assistance, we are prepared for that.”

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He also pointed out that the current terms of the natural resources deal with the U.S. required Ukraine to return twice the amount it received, calling the approach unfair. Comparing Ukraine’s situation to that of Israel, he questioned why Kyiv was being subjected to stricter financial conditions.

“When the U.S. sells weapons to Israel or Qatar, do they profit 100%?” he asked. “I want a dialogue, but I am not ready to sign something that will put the financial burden on ten generations of Ukrainians.”

Earlier, Zelenskyy addressed recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a “dictator” over his decision not to hold elections during wartime, he dismissed the label, emphasizing that he has no interest in authoritarian rule.

“Of course, I wouldn’t exactly call Trump’s words a compliment—that’s putting it mildly. But why take offense? The only person who would be offended by being called a dictator is someone who actually is one,” he said.