President Trump congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the country’s Independence Day, saying in a letter that the American people believe in Ukraine’s future and respect its people’s sacrifices.
“Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the American people, I extend my congratulations and warmest wishes to you and the courageous people of Ukraine as you celebrate 34 years of independence,” Trump said in a letter, shared by Zelensky in a post on the social platform X early Sunday.
“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’s letter continued.
The letter comes as Trump has sought to facilitate a negotiated end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump met with Zelensky and European leaders on Monday, three days after hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin for a high-stakes summit in Alaska.
While the president emerged from the meetings with some momentum toward negotiating a peace deal, Russian officials have indicated progress has slowed and that the prospects of a meeting between Zelensky and Putin are not imminent.
Trump reiterated his desire to end the war in his letter to Zelensky.
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing. 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,” the U.S. president wrote. “God bless Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian leader thanked Trump “for your heartfelt congratulations on Ukraine’s Independence Day” and expressed gratitude for American support.
“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,” Zelensky wrote in his post, responding to Trump’s letter. “We believe that by working together, we can put an end to this war and achieve real peace for Ukraine.”
The White House did not respond immediately to request for comment.
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