US President Donald Trump joined other world leaders on Sunday to send a message of support to Ukraine when, despite fierce diplomatic efforts, there was little hope for peace.
Trump wrote to Ukraine on the 34th Independence Day of the country, marking the anniversary of its declaration that it is free from Soviet rule, praised its courage and said that the United States believes in its future as an independent nation.
The letter was shared on X as Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelensky conveyed his own message. We won’t lose.
Ukraine and Russia continue to trade strikes, and Russian officials said on Sunday that the fire broke out after a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down near the Kursk nuclear power plant, causing damage to transformers at the scene.
Ukrainian authorities have not commented on Russia’s claims.
Other world leaders, including China’s Nationwide President Xi Jinping, British King Charles and Pope Leo XIV, also sent messages to mark the day as momentum over peace talks is at a standstill and Russian President Vladimir Putin shows he wants to fight.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken the opportunity to make his first official visit to Ukraine, saying that his country’s support for Kiev is “unshakable and we will be with you at every stage of your fight to protect your sovereignty.”
Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s Russian Ukraine envoy, also attended Kiev’s Independence Day ceremony on Sunday.
Trump’s message said it would further extend the deadline for potential outcomes for Moscow after urging Russian leaders to meet with Ukrainian counterparts in hopes of ending the war a few days after the US leader told Putin was giving “a few weeks.”
In the letter, Trump wrote: “The Ukrainian people have an unbreakable spirit, and the courage of your county inspires many people. Marking this important day, the United States respects your battle, respects your sacrifice, and believes in your future as an independent nation.”
“Now is the moment to end the meaningless killing. The United States supports a negotiated reconciliation that leads to a durable, lasting peace that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity,” Trump added.
Zelensky thanked Trump for his message and delivered his own speech to the Ukrainians.
“Ukraine is stronger and has more self-esteem. And while Ukraine doesn’t wait for a goodwill gesture, it has its own will to put what we need into life,” he said.
“This is Ukraine today, and such Ukraine will not be forced again in history to endure the shame that Russians call “compromise.” Our future is determined solely by us. He added.
Referring to recent talks with Trump and European leaders to advance Ukraine’s peace plan, Zelensky said, “Ukraine hasn’t won completely yet, but it certainly hasn’t lost. Ukraine has secured independence. Ukraine is not a casualty. It’s not a fighter. Ukraine offers.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on the eve of Independence Day, Russia launched 72 drones and ballistic missiles towards Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska, the heavy bombing has been ongoing recently, ending without any concrete deals.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense said on Sunday it destroyed 95 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) overnight in various regions. One UAV was shot down near the Kursk nuclear power plant, causing the fire, officials said.
Authorities added that background radiation levels on industrial sites had not changed, and local fires were later “disappeared by firefighters.”
