US President Donald Trump has joined world leaders in sending messages of solidarity to Ukraine as the country marked its 34th Independence Day on Sunday amid ongoing conflict with Russia. In a letter shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump praised Ukraine’s courage and resilience, affirming Washington’s belief in its future as a free and independent state. “The people of Ukraine have an unbreakable spirit, and your country’s courage inspires many,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States supports a negotiated settlement leading to “a durable, lasting peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”
The Independence Day messages came against the backdrop of heavy fighting, with Ukraine reporting waves of drone and missile strikes from Russia on the eve of the celebrations. Ukrainian officials said their air defenses intercepted the majority of the 72 drones and a ballistic missile launched overnight, while Moscow claimed to have destroyed 95 Ukrainian drones across several regions. Russian authorities also said a Ukrainian UAV caused a fire at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant after striking a transformer, though they confirmed radiation levels remained stable.
In his national address, Zelensky delivered a defiant message to Ukrainians, declaring that the country would continue to celebrate Independence Day “a hundred years from now” and would never accept what he called Russia’s idea of “compromise.” He emphasized that Ukraine is “not a victim, but a fighter” and stressed that the nation’s future would be determined solely by its people. “Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose,” he said, underscoring the country’s determination to secure a just peace on its own terms.
Other global leaders also sent greetings, including China’s Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles, and Pope Leo XIV, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the occasion with his first official visit to Kyiv, reaffirming Canada’s “unwavering” support. Keith Kellogg, a former US envoy on Russia-Ukraine affairs, attended the celebrations in person.
The show of international solidarity comes as diplomatic momentum around peace talks stalls and Russian President Vladimir Putin signals his intent to continue the war. Trump, who met with Putin in Alaska earlier this month without reaching a deal, has suggested giving the Russian leader “a couple of weeks” to return to negotiations. Despite the uncertainty, Ukraine’s leaders say their independence is secure — and their fight for sovereignty will endure.
