Donald Trump (left), Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AP)
US President Donald Trump joined global leaders on Sunday in sending messages of support to Ukraine as the country marked its 34th Independence Day amid continued conflict with Russia and little movement on peace talks.In a letter shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X, Trump praised Ukraine’s “unbreakable spirit” and reiterated US support for a “negotiated settlement” that ensures lasting peace and safeguards Kyiv’s sovereignty.“The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your country’s courage inspires many,” Trump wrote. “The United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation.”Calling for an end to the conflict, Trump added, “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.”Zelensky, in his Independence Day address, responded by reaffirming Ukraine’s resolve. “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 said, reported CNN. “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 added, referencing recent talks with Trump and European leaders.Other world leaders also marked the occasion. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles, and Pope Leo XIV sent formal messages of support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on his first official visit to Kyiv, reiterated Canada’s backing, posting on X, “Our support for Kyiv is unwavering, and we are with you every step of the way in your fight to defend your sovereignty.”Keith Kellogg, former envoy to the Russia-Ukraine portfolio under the Trump administration, attended Ukraine’s Independence Day ceremony in Kyiv.Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground continued, with Russian officials claiming that a Ukrainian UAV strike near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant caused a fire and damaged a transformer. Ukrainian authorities have not responded to the allegation.Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991.
