Trump congratulates Ukraine, praises its resilience on Independence Day

Trump congratulated Ukraine on behalf of the American people, citing the “strong friendship” between Kyiv and Washington and praising the “courageous, brave and talented people who have built your great nation.”

“As you mark this important day, know that the United States admires your resilience, honors your sacrifices, and remains confident in your future as a sovereign and prosperous nation,” Trump wrote.

He also urged Ukraine to seize the opportunity to end the war and build a “strong and lasting peace that will unlock Ukraine’s enormous potential for generations to come.”

Zelenskyy thanked Trump for the message and compared it to the sound of PAC-3 interceptor missiles being launched from Patriot systems.

“These words, much like the sound of a Patriot PAC-3 missile launch, lift our spirits and give us hope that people’s lives can be protected from Russia’s brutal attacks and that a dignified peace can be achieved,” Zelenskyy wrote.

The Times reported on Aug. 24 that Kyiv, representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump and European officials had developed a joint plan to end the war. The plan calls for a ceasefire, the mutual withdrawal of Russian and Ukrainian troops from the front line and the creation of a buffer zone.

The newspaper also reported that a Vatican representative arrived in Russia on Aug. 24, fueling speculation that he could convey the proposals to the Russian side. Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Aug. 25.

On Aug. 11, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s negotiating team had submitted proposals to the United States on further steps aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and bringing the war closer to an end.

Zelenskyy said he had received a report from the negotiating team on the progress of talks with the U.S. side.