Ukraine does not recognize any debt to the United States, neither in the amount of 500 billion dollars nor 100 billion. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference during the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum.
"For the duration of two administrations (in the U.S. — ed.) there has been a war. And I am grateful for the support that is being provided. This support is extremely important for us. Primarily, the backing is still based on previous decisions made by the U.S. Congress…
But the 100 billion in aid from the United States is not 500, not 350, not 700 — Ukraine received 100. And we are very thankful for that. The current cost of this war stands at 320 billion — 120 from Ukraine, 100 from Europe plus partners (for instance, Japan contributes 15) and 100 from the United States of America. This is how the economics of this tragedy looks.
From Trump, I really want understanding, to hear what is happening, what security guarantees Ukraine needs… And I would like to discuss with him the contingent, about the structure of the contingent’s presence after the hot phase of the war ends… We are ready to discuss this with our EU colleagues, Europe, as well as with the President of the United States…
Guarantees of the agreement can also include economic agreements, which are currently widely discussed in the media. However, an economic agreement between our countries is part of the security guarantees. Therefore, the agreement needs something that is currently missing — security guarantees from the United States…
I know that we had $100 billion in aid from the U.S. and that is a fact. And I do not intend to recognize $500 billion, no matter what anyone says…
To be honest, I am not even ready to acknowledge 100 billion. Let me explain why. Because we should not recognize grants as debts. Whether one likes it or not. I negotiated with Biden and with the U.S. Congress. There was a presence of both parties and support for grants. A grant is not a debt. And I do not need to repay a debt. This agreement was previously made — it is a grant. The issue is not about the number. The issue is that we do not acknowledge that this is a debt..
I will not sign something that will be repaid by ten generations of Ukrainians," Zelensky stated.