, you read that right—when it comes to the equation between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, it can be summed up in three words: Sorry, no refund.
Right now, the entire world is watching how American aid doesn’t come for free. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are publicly arguing over money. Trump wants access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth worth $500 billion. But Zelensky has made it clear—if he agrees to Trump’s terms, ten future generations of Ukrainians will be paying off this so-called “aid.” Therefore, Zelensky has refused to sign the $500 billion agreement that the U.S. is pushing for, stating that he’d rather resign than put his country under such long-term debt that it essentially becomes a slave state to America.
Zelensky has further stated that the actual military aid provided by the U.S. so far totals only $100 billion—not $500 billion as Trump suggests. This difference is at the core of their dispute. Moreover, Ukraine claims that nowhere in the U.S. aid agreements is it written that the money is a loan. It was labeled as aid—meaning a grant, not something to be returned.
Meanwhile, Trump argues that if the U.S. continues funding Ukraine’s war effort, it must get something in return—possibly minerals or oil. He’s been very vocal that future financial aid to Ukraine would be conditional: for every dollar sent, America expects two dollars back. This essentially turns the war into a business investment for the U.S.
Many Ukrainian economists and journalists are calling out this approach, saying that Trump is exploiting the war. Trump has recently backtracked from his earlier stance that Ukraine started the war. Under domestic and international pressure, he’s acknowledged that it was Russia who invaded. Still, he remains angry over Zelensky’s refusal to give in to American demands.
Interestingly, even by American accounting, the total aid given to Ukraine is around $350 billion, and much of that went straight back to U.S. defense contractors. So, America’s financial losses aren’t what they seem. Yet Trump feels that unlike European countries—who labeled their support as loans—America gave away its money for free and got nothing in return.
Trump recently stated that either Ukraine must repay the aid or the U.S. must get access to its resources. His remarks indicate that for him, this war is less about defending democracy and more about ensuring a profitable return.
This entire episode serves as a lesson for the world—especially for nations like India—that when a country gets entangled in war, the expectations from its allies, especially the U.S., can change drastically.
Trump’s demands are seen by many as excessive, especially considering Ukraine’s current state. Zelensky believes agreeing to them would be disastrous for Ukraine’s sovereignty and economy. This leads us to a deep reflection: Who is right—Trump, who wants tangible returns for American tax dollars, or Zelensky, who is resisting what he sees as exploitative terms?
And here’s where a famous quote by Henry Kissinger becomes relevant again: “To be America’s enemy can be dangerous, but to be its friend is fatal.”
This doesn’t mean that American citizens or the country as a whole are bad. The U.S. is a great nation with amazing people, culture, and innovations. But when it comes to foreign policy, it can be ruthless and self-serving. Once the bullets start flying, the U.S. stops being a friend and turns into a businessman—ready to take full advantage of any crisis.
Now, I want to hear from you.
In your opinion, who is more justified—Trump or Zelensky?
Comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Also, here’s a quick quiz to test your current affairs knowledge:
Who recently became the first Indian-American FBI Director in U.S. history?
Your options are:
- Tulsi Gabbard
- Vivek Ramaswamy
- Bobby Jindal
Drop your answer in the comments—I’ll heart the correct ones so others can learn too.