Trump, World Leaders Send Independence Day Messages to Ukraine Amid Ongoing War

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday joined other global leaders in extending messages of support to Ukraine as the country marked its 34th Independence Day, even as the war with Russia shows little sign of abating.

In a letter shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump praised Ukraine’s resilience and reiterated Washington’s backing for 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.”

Zelensky, in his Independence Day address, vowed that Ukraine’s struggle would continue until victory is achieved. “Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose,” he said. “Our future will be decided by us alone. And the world knows it.”

The commemorations came as fighting intensified across multiple fronts. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that 95 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight, including one near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant that sparked a fire at a transformer. Authorities said radiation levels remained normal and the blaze was later contained. Ukraine has not publicly commented on the claim.

On the eve of the celebrations, Kyiv’s air force said Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile, most of which were intercepted.

Other world leaders also sent congratulatory messages. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles, and Pope Leo XIV conveyed goodwill wishes. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the occasion with his first official visit to Kyiv, declaring his nation’s “unwavering” support for Ukraine.

Trump’s message followed his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without a breakthrough on peace talks. The U.S. leader has continued to press for a negotiated settlement, urging Moscow to pursue “a durable, lasting peace” that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Despite those calls, Russian President Putin has signaled his intent to continue the conflict, while diplomatic momentum remains stalled.

Zelensky, however, stressed that Ukraine’s determination remains unshaken: “This is the Ukraine of today. Such a Ukraine will never again endure the shame of so-called compromise. We need a just peace, and Ukraine will secure it.”