US President Donald Trump joined different world leaders in sending messages of help to Ukraine on Sunday because it celebrates Independence Day at a time when there may be 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 freed from Soviet rule – praising its braveness and saying the US 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 won’t lose.
Ukraine and Russia have continued to trade strikes, with Russian officers saying Sunday {that a} fireplace broke out after a Ukrainian unmanned aerial car (UAV) was shot down close to the Kursk Nuclear Energy Plant, damaging a transformer on the website.
Ukrainian authorities haven’t commented on the Russian claims.
Different world leaders, together with Chinese language President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles and Pope Leo XIV, additionally delivered messages to mark the day, which comes because the momentum round peace talks has stalled and Russian President Vladimir Putin is exhibiting he desires to struggle 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 help for Kyiv is “unwavering, and we’re with you each step of the best way in your struggle 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 stated he’ll give Putin “a few weeks,” further extending his deadline for potential penalties in opposition to Moscow after urging the Russian chief to fulfill along with his Ukrainian counterpart in hopes of ending the struggle.
Within the letter, Trump wrote: “The individuals of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your county’s braveness conjures up many. As you mark this necessary day, know the US respects your struggle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an unbiased nation.”
“Now could be the second to convey an finish to the mindless killing. The US helps a negotiated settlement that results in a sturdy, 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 deal with 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 doesn’t watch for gestures of goodwill, but it surely has its personal will to place into life what is important for us,” he stated.
“That is the Ukraine of at this time. And such a Ukraine won’t ever once more be compelled in historical past to endure the disgrace that the Russians name a ‘compromise.’ We’d like a simply peace. Our future can be determined by us alone. And the world is aware of it.” he added.
Referencing the latest talks with Trump and European leaders to progress a peace plan for Ukraine, Zelensky stated: “Ukraine has not but totally received, however it is going to definitely not lose. Ukraine has secured its independence. Ukraine shouldn’t be a sufferer; it’s a fighter. Ukraine doesn’t beg; it gives. Alliance and partnership.”
On the eve of Independence Day, Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile towards Ukraine, the vast majority of which had been shot down, in response to the Ukrainian Air Power.
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 Protection Ministry stated Sunday it had destroyed 95 Ukrainian unmanned aerial automobiles (UAVs) in a single day throughout varied territories. One UAV was shot down close to the Kursk Nuclear Energy Plant, inflicting a fireplace, officers stated.
Officers added that background radiation ranges haven’t modified on the industrial website and an area fireplace was later “extinguished by firefighters.”
