Trump urges 'durable peace' for Ukraine in Independence Day message

Independence Day message

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump delivered a "warm and heartening" message marking Ukraine's Independence Day, calling for an end to the conflict while praising Kyiv's resilience amid continued hostilities with Russia. Zelenskyy shared the correspondence through a statement on social media platform X, noting that Trump congratulated the Ukrainian people while highlighting their sacrifices and confidence throughout the war.

Trump emphasized the 35-year diplomatic relationship between Washington and Kyiv while urging leaders to seize the moment for a settlement. "August 24 is a day to celebrate our enduring friendship built on 35 years of diplomatic relations, a bond that has only deepened since Ukraine gained its independence," Trump said, according to Zelenskyy.

Call for 'durable peace'

He added that both nations should work toward ending the war to secure future generations: "Let us seize this moment to end the conflict and build a durable, lasting peace that unleashes the tremendous potential of Ukraine for generations to come." The message comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, with Washington maintaining its role as the primary military backer of Ukraine's defense forces.

Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's remarks as a sign of continued American support at a critical juncture in the conflict. "These words, much like the sound of a Patriot PAC-3 launch, lift our spirits and give hope that lives can be protected from Russia's savage attacks and that a dignified peace can be achieved," he said.