Volodymyr Zelensky thinks it’s America’s job to write a blank check—again. The Ukrainian president is now demanding an eye-watering $40 billion per year from Western allies, specifically urging President Trump and the G7 to commit to this extraordinary sum as “budgetary support” to prop up Ukraine’s economy and war effort. This latest request comes on top of the nearly $185 billion in aid already allocated by the U.S. alone since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. And yet, Zelensky asks for more—insisting America has both a moral obligation and strategic imperative to sustain Ukraine indefinitely.
Let’s be clear: Vladimir Putin’s aggression is condemnable, and America under President Trump has repeatedly called for ceasefires, peace negotiations, and diplomatic resolutions—only to be rebuffed by Russian stonewalling. Zelensky himself admits this, noting, “It was the U.S. and President Trump who proposed a ceasefire, the resumption of diplomacy, immediate meetings and negotiations. But Russia has blocked every effort.” Yet despite acknowledging these efforts, Zelensky still pushes the narrative that Washington must foot the bill indefinitely, as if American taxpayers haven’t contributed generously enough already.
The current stalemate underscores the harsh reality: neither Kyiv nor Moscow seems prepared for real compromise. Russia has dug in its heels, demanding Ukraine relinquish territories like Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea, and insisting upon Ukrainian military neutrality—a position Zelensky calls “delusional.” Conversely, Ukraine demands an unconditional ceasefire before even considering meaningful negotiations. With both sides entrenched, the situation grows increasingly grim along the frontlines, and the possibility of peace fades further away.
President Trump understands that endless foreign entanglements drain American resources, distract us from securing our own borders, and divert attention from critical domestic priorities. America First means prioritizing American interests—not committing indefinitely to foreign conflicts that show no sign of resolution. Trump’s diplomatic outreach has been more robust and proactive than his predecessors, yet Zelensky now criticizes recent discussions between Trump and Putin as “too warm.” The message from Kyiv is clear: America must choose sides unequivocally, no matter the cost or consequence.
But let’s ask ourselves honestly: how long can America shoulder this burden? How much more can taxpayers afford? Ukraine has already received nearly $185 billion from American coffers alone. Yet Zelensky insists on another $40 billion annually—a staggering figure that would burden our already strained national budget, divert critical funds from domestic infrastructure, education reform, and border security, and potentially tie America to yet another endless foreign conflict.
The MAGA movement, which propelled President Trump back into office, demands accountability and strategic realism in foreign policy. America First means precisely that—prioritizing American security, prosperity, and interests above all else. Committing tens of billions annually to a seemingly endless war, without clear benchmarks or accountability, does not align with these core values.
Of course, standing firm against Russian aggression remains vital. But President Trump’s approach—pressuring Moscow diplomatically while urging negotiation—is wiser, more sustainable, and more in line with conservative principles than endless financial support. America cannot be the world’s piggy bank or policeman indefinitely. As Trump himself has emphasized repeatedly, it’s time for our European allies to step up and pay their fair share, rather than leaning endlessly on America’s generosity.
Moreover, Zelensky’s framing—that Ukraine and Russia cannot be treated as equals in negotiation—ignores a basic truth of diplomacy: lasting peace requires compromise, even with one’s adversaries. If Kyiv refuses any concessions outright, peace becomes impossible. Trump’s willingness to engage both sides, urging restraint and diplomacy, is not “too warm”; it’s strategic realism.
Ultimately, the United States under President Trump will continue to support peace efforts—but it should not become a blank-check benefactor. Zelensky’s latest request for $40 billion annually underscores a misguided dependence on American generosity rather than a genuine pursuit of peace and reconciliation. America First demands we prioritize our own national needs—reviving manufacturing, securing our border, reforming education, and ensuring the well-being of American citizens—over endless, costly foreign entanglements without clear resolution.