Trump Extends Congratulations to Ukraine on Independence Day, Zelensky Vows Ukraine's Victory in the Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine is commemorating its 34th Independence Day on Sunday, marking the anniversary of declaring independence from Soviet rule. The day was marked by a mix of celebrations, military responses, and international support.

On the eve of Independence Day, Russia launched 72 drones and a ballistic missile toward Ukraine, an action that was met with a robust response from the Ukrainian Air Force, who successfully shot down the majority of the drones. However, reports suggest that a UAV was shot down near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, causing a fire. Ukrainian authorities have since confirmed that background radiation levels have not changed, and the local fire was later extinguished by firefighters.

Russian and Ukrainian forces have continued to exchange strikes, with a fire reported near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant after the Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down. Russian officials claim a transformer at the site was damaged, but Ukrainian authorities have yet to comment on the incident.

Amidst the conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a defiant message to his people. "Ukraine is not a victim; it is a fighter," he said, adding that Ukraine has secured its independence but has not yet fully won. Zelensky also extended an offer of alliance and partnership to the international community.

International leaders showed their support for Ukraine on its Independence Day. Other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Britain's King Charles, and Pope Leo XIV, sent messages of support. US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Ukraine, praising its courage and believing in its future as an independent state. However, it was US President Joe Biden who sent the official telegram to Ukraine on this occasion, as he is the current sitting president. Biden's administration has been actively supporting Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, unlike Trump's earlier stance which included a temporary halt of U.S. military aid.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first official visit to Ukraine on this day, reaffirming his country's unwavering support for Kyiv. Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration's Russia-Ukraine envoy, also attended Kyiv's Independence Day ceremony.

Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have stalled, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is showing a willingness to continue fighting. 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. Donald Trump has further extended his deadline for potential consequences against Moscow, giving Putin "a couple of weeks."

As Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day, the future remains uncertain. But President Zelensky remains steadfast, saying, "Ukraine has not yet fully won, but it will certainly not lose."