As Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day, world leaders including US President Donald Trump, King Charles, and Chinese President Xi Jinping sent messages of solidarity to Kyiv. The day, usually a celebration of freedom, came under the shadow of ongoing war, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowing that his nation “will not lose.”
Trump’s Independence Day Message to Ukraine
President Trump joined global leaders in recognising Ukraine’s Independence Day on Sunday.
In a letter addressed to Ukraine, Trump praised the nation’s courage, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.
He reaffirmed that the United States supports Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and its right to remain an independent nation.
Trump also stressed that it was time to end the “senseless killing” through a negotiated peace settlement that safeguards Ukraine’s dignity and territorial integrity.
The letter was shared publicly by President Zelensky on X (formerly Twitter), alongside his own Independence Day address to the Ukrainian people.
“The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your courage inspires many. As you mark this important day, know the United States respects your fight, honours your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation,” Trump wrote.
Zelensky’s Defiant Independence Day Address
In his address, President Volodymyr Zelensky reassured Ukrainians of their strength and independence despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky declared that Ukraine will still be celebrating Independence Day “a hundred years from now.”
He said Ukraine is no longer waiting for “gestures of goodwill” from others but is acting with its own determination.
The President dismissed any notion of compromise with Moscow, insisting that Ukraine’s future will be decided only by Ukrainians.
“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,” Zelensky said.
Messages from Global Leaders
Several world leaders also marked the occasion with supportive messages:
King Charles III of the United Kingdom extended his good wishes to the Ukrainian people.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent an official note to Kyiv.
Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first official visit to Ukraine on Independence Day, stating that Canada’s support for Ukraine is “unwavering.”
Keith Kellogg, a senior envoy who served as Trump’s Russia-Ukraine advisor, also attended the celebrations in Kyiv.
Renewed Russian Strikes on Independence Day Eve
While Ukraine marked its Independence Day with messages of resilience, the war on the ground showed no signs of slowing:
On the eve of the celebrations, Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile targeting Ukrainian cities.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that most of these attacks were intercepted.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed to have destroyed 95 Ukrainian UAVs overnight.
One drone reportedly struck near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, damaging a transformer and sparking a fire. Officials said the blaze was quickly put out and radiation levels remained stable.
Trump, Putin, and the Stalled Peace Talks
Trump’s letter comes just days after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without a concrete peace deal.
Trump has urged Putin to meet directly with Zelensky in hopes of finding a way to end the war.
Recently, he suggested he would give Putin “a couple of weeks” before deciding on further consequences.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Moscow has shown no signs of backing down, and heavy bombardments continue across Ukraine.
What This Means for Ukraine’s Future
Ukraine’s Independence Day highlighted both the country’s enduring resilience and the grim reality of a drawn-out war.
Zelensky positioned Ukraine as a fighter, not a victim, and vowed the nation would never again be forced into humiliating compromises.
Global leaders, including the United States, reaffirmed their support, but peace talks remain at a standstill.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are increasing strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, signalling that the conflict is escalating further.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day was marked not only by pride and defiance but also by the harsh reminder of ongoing conflict. President Zelensky vowed that Ukraine “will not lose,” while President Trump and other world leaders offered messages of solidarity.
Yet, as missile and drone strikes continue, hopes for peace appear distant. For now, Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty remains one of determination, endurance, and global support.
References
Statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X (Twitter)
White House Letter from President Donald Trump to Ukraine
Reports from the Ukrainian Air Force and Russian Defence Ministry
Coverage by international leaders including Canada, UK, and China
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