Trump and World Leaders Send Messages to Ukraine on 34th Independence Day

On Sunday, August 24, Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day in the middle of an ongoing war and stalled peace negotiations. The day drew attention from across the world, with leaders sending words of encouragement and solidarity.

Among them was US President Donald Trump, who sent a personal letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the message, Trump praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and emphasized America’s belief in Ukraine’s future as a free and independent nation.

“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,” Trump wrote.

Trump went further to call for an end to the “senseless killing,” stressing the need for a negotiated peace that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensures lasting stability.

President Zelensky responded by thanking Trump for his message. Addressing Ukrainians, he said:

“Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose. Ukraine is stronger, has self-respect, and will never again be forced into compromises that bring shame. Our future will be decided by us alone.”

Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration also drew attention from other world leaders. China’s President Xi Jinping, Britain’s King Charles, Pope Leo XIV, and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney all shared messages of support. Carney, on his first official visit to Kyiv, pledged Canada’s “unwavering” backing for Ukraine.

However, the celebrations came against the backdrop of fresh tensions. Russian officials claimed that a Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant. While they confirmed radiation levels remained stable, Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the report.