Trump Sends Letter Of Support To Ukraine On Independence Day

 

President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Ukraine praising the country’s courage and affirming that the United States believes in its future as a free and independent state.

The message was shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X as Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day, commemorating its declaration of freedom from Soviet rule. Zelensky also addressed his people directly, declaring: “We will not lose.”

Other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles, and Pope Leo XIV, sent greetings to mark the occasion. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first official visit to Kyiv, pledging “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump’s envoy on Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, attended Kyiv’s Independence Day ceremony. The message of solidarity comes just days after Trump said he would give Russian President Vladimir Putin “a couple of weeks” to pursue peace negotiations, extending his earlier deadline for potential consequences.

In his letter, Trump wrote:
“The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your country’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.”

He added that the U.S. supports a negotiated peace that “ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”

Zelensky responded with a firm message of his own, promising that Ukraine will remain free long into the future:
“Ukraine is stronger and has self-respect… Such a Ukraine will never again be forced to endure the shame that the Russians call a ‘compromise.’ We need a just peace. Our future will be decided by us alone.”

Referencing his recent talks with Trump and European leaders about a peace plan, Zelensky declared:
“Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose. Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter. Ukraine does not beg; it offers. Alliance and partnership.”

Independence Day celebrations came under the shadow of continued Russian bombardment. On the eve of the holiday, Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile, most of which were intercepted by Ukraine’s air defenses.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported destroying 95 Ukrainian drones overnight in various regions, including one near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. Officials said the drone detonated after being shot down, damaging a transformer, but background radiation levels remained stable and a resulting fire was quickly extinguished.