Ukrainian President Zelensky finally admits he’s “open to an audit” of the staggering $174 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars flowing into his war-torn country – only after Ben Shapiro corners him on where all that money actually went.
At a Glance
- Zelensky claims Ukraine received only $104-105 billion of the $174 billion authorized by Congress, mostly for weapons transport
- Ukrainian president insists his government is “absolutely open, transparent” and “ready for any audit” of U.S. funds
- U.S. Government Accountability Office has recommended improving oversight of military equipment tracking
- Zelensky argues Ukraine serves as a “living shield” preventing Russia from threatening NATO countries, which would require direct U.S. military involvement
Show Us The Money, Mr. President
After years of watching American taxpayer dollars vanish into the black hole of Ukrainian “aid” with virtually zero accountability, Ben Shapiro finally did what our own government officials refuse to do – look President Volodymyr Zelensky in the eye and ask where all our money went. In an exclusive interview in Kyiv, Shapiro questioned Zelensky about the astronomical $174 billion in aid approved by Congress since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The Ukrainian leader’s response? An interesting math lesson in how $174 billion somehow becomes $105 billion by the time it reaches Ukrainian hands, with most of that money never actually touching Ukrainian soil.
Zelensky was quick to offer assurances that American inspectors already have oversight of the funds and that Ukraine welcomes complete transparency. But if everything is so squeaky clean, why are we only now hearing talk of a formal audit after tens of billions have already been spent? The reality is that pressure from Republican lawmakers and growing public scrutiny have forced this conversation, not some Ukrainian commitment to financial transparency. And let’s not forget that the Government Accountability Office has already called for improved oversight of the entire operation.
The Money Trail Mystery
The most revealing part of Shapiro’s interview was Zelensky’s explanation of where the money actually goes. According to the Ukrainian president, the majority of U.S. aid never directly enters Ukraine’s economy but is instead used by American companies to transport weapons and equipment. Of the $174 billion authorized by Congress, Zelensky claims Ukraine received only about $104-105 billion. The other $70 billion? Apparently evaporated into thin air – or more likely, into the pockets of defense contractors and middlemen in what has become one of the most lucrative war profiteering operations in modern history.
“We’re always ready for any audit. There’s nothing to hide. We are absolutely open, transparent, and that is what’s happening.” – Zelensky.
The USAID portion of this financial black hole includes $22.9 billion for “direct budget support” – bureaucratic speak for paying the salaries of Ukrainian government employees. That’s right, American taxpayers struggling with inflation are footing the bill for Ukrainian civil servants, teachers, and healthcare workers while our own public services crumble. This isn’t “military aid” – it’s straight-up welfare for a foreign government that has long ranked as one of the most corrupt in Europe.
The NATO Fear Factor
Zelensky’s most compelling argument for continued U.S. support plays directly to American security concerns: if Ukraine falls, Russia will threaten NATO countries next, forcing direct U.S. military involvement. “I’ve mentioned it many times before, the U.S will have to protect the other NATO countries, because such an agreement exists, or the U.S. will have to leave NATO,” Zelensky warned. “So that will be a major question for your families: Are they going to send your child to war?” It’s a clever framing that positions Ukraine as a bargain alternative to American boots on the ground against Russia.
“We are kind of a living shield against Russia’s invasion to the civilized world.” – Volodymyr Zelensky.
While there’s legitimacy to concerns about Russian aggression beyond Ukraine, this argument conveniently sidesteps the more immediate question: how much American treasure should be poured into this conflict with virtually no oversight? The reality is that billions have disappeared without proper accounting, and only now – after public opinion has shifted dramatically against blank-check Ukraine funding – is Zelensky publicly embracing the idea of an audit. It’s too little, too late for a war effort that has become an unaccountable money pit with no clear strategy for victory or peace. Americans deserve better than financial black holes, especially when our own southern border remains catastrophically open.
