Zelensky is Unsure About the Destination of Most of the '$200 billion' in US Aid
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has asserted that Kiev has received significantly less US aid than the figures often referenced by President Trump. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Kiev has received significantly less assistance than the figures frequently mentioned by President Trump and other US officials, according to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. He asserts that the US has provided just over $75 billion in military and other forms of aid to Ukraine, questioning the source and legitimacy of the $200 billion estimate.
Trump, who has voiced strong disapproval of his predecessor Joe Biden's support for Ukraine, has consistently emphasized that countries in the European Union and other NATO allies should increase their contributions to match what the US has provided. He stated, “We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid?” This sentiment was echoed by Vice President J.D. Vance, who mentioned the $200 billion figure in July, asking, “We have now spent $200 billion. What is the goal? What are we trying to accomplish?”
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Zelensky refuted the claim that Ukraine has received that amount. He remarked, “When it is said that Ukraine received $200 billion to support the army during the war – that’s not true. I don’t know where all that money went.” He acknowledged the assistance received, stating, “But in reality, we received about $76 billion. It’s significant aid, but it’s not $200 billion.”
Since 2022, Congress has authorized nearly $175 billion for Ukraine, though much of this funding is believed to have been allocated to US industries and government operations related to the conflict. The Kiel Institute from Germany reported that as of October 2024, the US had contributed about $92 billion in financial and military aid to Ukraine, while the EU and the UK had provided $131 billion.
Zelensky further highlighted that a large portion of the aid has been in the form of military support rather than cash, emphasizing, “There are also many other humanitarian programs I’m uninformed about, except for knowing of their existence.” He speculated that a review of these programs might uncover further funds, but admitted uncertainty about their whereabouts.
Amidst these developments, Trump, upon returning to office, had suspended US foreign aid for 90 days to ensure it aligned with his administration's goals, which impacted many initiatives related to Ukraine, particularly those funded by USAID.
Recently, USAID's official website went offline, and its social media presence vanished, coinciding with reports that the White House is contemplating merging the agency into the State Department. Elon Musk, heading the newly established US Department of Government Efficiency, has initiated audits of USAID, asserting, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” Trump also criticized the agency, stating it is “run by a bunch of radical lunatics and we are getting them out.”
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
Trump, who has voiced strong disapproval of his predecessor Joe Biden's support for Ukraine, has consistently emphasized that countries in the European Union and other NATO allies should increase their contributions to match what the US has provided. He stated, “We are in there for $200 billion more than the EU. I mean, what are we, stupid?” This sentiment was echoed by Vice President J.D. Vance, who mentioned the $200 billion figure in July, asking, “We have now spent $200 billion. What is the goal? What are we trying to accomplish?”
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Zelensky refuted the claim that Ukraine has received that amount. He remarked, “When it is said that Ukraine received $200 billion to support the army during the war – that’s not true. I don’t know where all that money went.” He acknowledged the assistance received, stating, “But in reality, we received about $76 billion. It’s significant aid, but it’s not $200 billion.”
Since 2022, Congress has authorized nearly $175 billion for Ukraine, though much of this funding is believed to have been allocated to US industries and government operations related to the conflict. The Kiel Institute from Germany reported that as of October 2024, the US had contributed about $92 billion in financial and military aid to Ukraine, while the EU and the UK had provided $131 billion.
Zelensky further highlighted that a large portion of the aid has been in the form of military support rather than cash, emphasizing, “There are also many other humanitarian programs I’m uninformed about, except for knowing of their existence.” He speculated that a review of these programs might uncover further funds, but admitted uncertainty about their whereabouts.
Amidst these developments, Trump, upon returning to office, had suspended US foreign aid for 90 days to ensure it aligned with his administration's goals, which impacted many initiatives related to Ukraine, particularly those funded by USAID.
Recently, USAID's official website went offline, and its social media presence vanished, coinciding with reports that the White House is contemplating merging the agency into the State Department. Elon Musk, heading the newly established US Department of Government Efficiency, has initiated audits of USAID, asserting, “USAID is a criminal organization. Time for it to die.” Trump also criticized the agency, stating it is “run by a bunch of radical lunatics and we are getting them out.”
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
