Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his “heartfelt congratulations” on the country’s independence day, as Washington presses on with its efforts to broker a deal to end three and a half years of war in Ukraine.
Why It Matters
Zelensky and Trump have had a fraught relationship, but one that appears to have improved since the infamous White House meeting in February this year. Zelensky, flanked by senior European leaders, visited Washington on Monday after Trump returned from his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The White House has been reluctant to strong-arm Moscow into negotiating an end to the war in eastern Europe, but Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the Kremlin. The Republican on Friday floated the threat of “massive sanctions or massive tariffs” on Russia if quick progress on a deal for Ukraine does not materialize.
What To Know
The Ukrainian leader said the country appreciated Trump’s “kind words for the Ukrainian people,” and that the U.S. was “standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what is most valuable: independence, freedom, and guaranteed peace.”
Ukraine has for decades celebrated the day Kyiv declared independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991.
In a letter published by Zelensky, Trump told the Ukrainian president he extended his “congratulations and warmest wishes” to the “courageous people of Ukraine.”
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing,” Trump said.
Russia’s and Ukraine’s demands for a peace settlement remain far apart, not least on which territory would fall under Moscow’s control and how well-armed Ukraine’s military would be.
Moscow has resisted setting up an in-person meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Ukraine has repeatedly requested a face-to-face conversation with the Kremlin chief, and Trump said he was preparing arrangements for the two leaders to meet.
Zelensky shared several messages from world leaders acknowledging Ukraine’s independence day, including from the U.K.’s King Charles III. The royal said in a message published by Kyiv that he felt “the greatest and deepest admiration for the unbreakable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people.”
“My wife and I are delighted to extend our warmest and most sincere wishes to you and all Ukrainians for the coming year,” Charles said, referring to Queen Camilla.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, said in a message to mark the day that he extended his “sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and the friendly Ukrainian people.”
“China and Ukraine enjoy a traditional friendship,” Xi said. Zelensky said he appreciated Xi’s message and stressed both countries had an “interest in developing long-term bilateral dialogue with mutual respect and for the sake of peace, stability, and prosperity.”
China is a close ally of Russia, and just weeks before Moscow’s tanks rolled over into several parts of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin and Xi agreed to a “no-limits” strategic partnership. Beijing has publicly insisted it is neutral in the conflict, but Western governments have said Chinese support is critical for Russia’s war effort.
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post to social media, addressing Donald Trump: “We appreciate your kind words for the Ukrainian people, and we thank the United States for standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defending what is most valuable: independence, freedom, and guaranteed peace. We believe that by working together, we can put an end to this war and achieve real peace for Ukraine.”
President Donald Trump said in his letter to Zelensky: “The United States supports a negotiated settlement that leads to a durable, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity.”
German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said in a post to X: “Ukrainians are defending themselves with great courage against Russia’s attacks. They are fighting for our way of life based on freedom in Europe and for a just peace. On Independence Day, we firmly stand by their side—today and in the future.”
What Happens Next
Trump is pushing for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin to discuss peace talks. Whether either side is willing to make some concessions, or whether the war will continue for the near future, is yet to be seen.
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