US President Donald Trump joined different world leaders in sending messages of support to Ukraine on Sunday as it celebrates Independence Day at a time when there’s little hope for peace regardless of intense diplomatic efforts.
Trump despatched a letter to Ukraine on the nation’s thirty fourth Independence Day – which marks the anniversary of declaring itself free of Soviet rule – praising its braveness and saying the United States believes in its future as an unbiased state.
The letter was shared on X by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as he delivered his personal message: we are going to not lose.
Ukraine and Russia have continued to alternate strikes, with Russian officers saying Sunday {that a} hearth broke out after a Ukrainian unmanned aerial automobile (UAV) was shot down close to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, damaging a transformer at the website.
Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the Russian claims.
Other world leaders, together with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles and Pope Leo XIV, additionally delivered messages to mark the day, which comes as the momentum round peace talks has stalled and Russian President Vladimir Putin is displaying he needs to combat on.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took the event to make his first official go to to Ukraine, stating on X that his nation’s support for Kyiv is “unwavering, and we are with you every step of the way in your fight to defend your sovereignty.”
Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s Russia-Ukraine envoy, additionally attended Kyiv’s Independence Day ceremony on Sunday.
Trump’s message comes days after the US chief mentioned he’ll give Putin “a couple of weeks,” further extending his deadline for potential penalties towards Moscow after urging the Russian chief to fulfill together with his Ukrainian counterpart in hopes of ending the war.
In the letter, Trump wrote: “The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your county’s courage inspires many. As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation.”
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing. The United States supports a negotiated settlement that leads to a durable, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity,” Trump added.
Zelensky thanked Trump for his message and delivered his personal handle to Ukrainians, saying the nation would nonetheless be celebrating its Independence Day 100 years from now.
“Ukraine is stronger and has self-respect. And Ukraine does not wait for gestures of goodwill, but it has its own will to put into life what is necessary for us,” he mentioned.
“This is the Ukraine of today. And such a Ukraine will never again be forced in history to endure the shame that the Russians call a ‘compromise.’ We need a just peace. Our future will be decided by us alone. And the world knows it.” he added.
Referencing the latest talks with Trump and European leaders to progress a peace plan for Ukraine, Zelensky mentioned: “Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose. Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg; it offers. Alliance and partnership.”
On the eve of Independence Day, Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile towards Ukraine, the majority of which have been shot down, in accordance with the Ukrainian Air Force.
Heavy bombardment has continued in latest days regardless of Trump’s assembly with Putin in Alaska, which ended with out a concrete deal.
Russia’s Defense Ministry mentioned Sunday it had destroyed 95 Ukrainian unmanned aerial autos (UAVs) in a single day throughout numerous territories. One UAV was shot down close to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, inflicting a fireplace, officers mentioned.
Officials added that background radiation ranges have not modified at the industrial website and an area hearth was later “extinguished by firefighters.”