Zelensky has publicly thanked the U.S. at least 33 times, according to a CNN fact-check.

According to a fact-check conducted by CNN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly expressed gratitude to U.S. leaders and the American people in English at least 33 times since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion.

The network carried out this analysis following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28.

During the meeting, Trump and Vance stated that Zelensky had not expressed enough gratitude.

Trump remarked, “You should be grateful. You have no cards in your hand,” and later added, “You need to be more grateful.”

Then Vance asked, “Did you thank them even once during the entire meeting?”

(More details on how this conversation unfolded can be found in the transcript of this 10-minute segment at the end of the meeting.)

CNN's analysis highlights numerous instances where Zelensky publicly thanked the U.S. for its diplomatic, military, and financial support. The fact-check does not include Zelensky's statements in Ukrainian for the domestic audience.

Since 2022, Zelensky has expressed gratitude for the 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, as well as remarks during visits to U.S. defense industry sites.

After the February 28 meeting at the White House, Zelensky 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 a fair and strong peace, and we are working towards that.”

The fact-check includes numerous instances from 2022 to 2025 when Zelensky thanked U.S. leaders, including Trump and former President Joe Biden. Notable moments include his address to the U.S. Congress in December 2022, where he expressed thanks to American families and lawmakers, and his meeting with Biden in June 2024, where he acknowledged that U.S. military and financial assistance is crucial for Ukraine's defense.

In 2022, Zelensky expressed gratitude at least five times, including statements thanking the U.S. for diplomatic and military support.

In 2023, Zelensky's gratitude was recorded in at least eight public statements, including remarks during press conferences, speeches at American institutions, and posts on social media.

In 2024, he expressed thanks at least 18 times, particularly during visits to the U.S. defense sector and meetings with American officials.

Since the beginning of 2025, Zelensky has repeatedly publicly acknowledged U.S. support, emphasizing the country's role in maintaining international unity in response to the war.