"Should Be More Grateful for US Support" ... Why Did Biden 'Blow Up' at Zelensky?

US NBC Releases Biden-Zelensky June Call Details
Biden Expresses Frustration Over Additional Request Despite $1 Billion Support
Support Cost Burden Emerges Amid Prolonged War

President Joe Biden of the United States. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] It has recently come to light that U.S. President Joe Biden expressed dissatisfaction regarding support for Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June. This appears to highlight the growing concerns within U.S. political circles about the financial burden caused by the prolonged war.

According to NBC on the 31st (local time), the call between the two presidents took place on June 15. At that time, the U.S. announced a plan to provide $1 billion (approximately 1.42 trillion KRW) in aid to Ukraine. Citing four sources, NBC reported that despite the large-scale U.S. support, President Zelensky requested additional assistance, which angered President Biden.

Before President Biden had even finished notifying the approval of the $1 billion aid, President Zelensky listed weapons and other items needed on the battlefield that had not yet been provided. In response, President Biden raised his voice, stating that the American people have been very generous in supporting Ukraine, and that the U.S. government and military are working hard to help Ukraine. It was later revealed that he also said Zelensky could express more gratitude for the U.S. support rather than immediately requesting additional aid.

Earlier, immediately after the call, President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the U.S. support through a video, saying, "I had an important conversation with President Biden today," and "I am thankful for this support, which is especially important for our defense in Donbas." At the time, President Biden also stated in a press release, "The United States will support Ukraine in defending its democracy and territory against Russia’s unjustified invasion."

Since the start of the Ukraine war in February, the U.S. is reported to have provided security assistance totaling $17.9 billion (approximately 25.58 trillion KRW). The Biden administration plans to secure additional funding for Ukraine aid after the midterm elections in November.

Within the political sphere, concerns about the financial burden of prolonged support for Ukraine are being raised. The Republican Party, which is expected to become the majority in the House of Representatives, has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with providing extensive aid to Ukraine. Some Democratic House members have also urged President Biden to use Ukraine aid as leverage to pressure for a ceasefire negotiation, citing the burden of support. However, these remarks were later withdrawn due to political pressure.

NBC analyzed that while President Biden’s anger was triggered by President Zelensky’s remarks during the call, the dissatisfaction had been accumulating over several weeks. It also explained, "The confrontation at the time reflected President Biden’s early perception that congressional and public support for sending billions of dollars to Ukraine was weakening."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.