(NewsNation) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the country’s Independence Day, reminding Ukrainians that they are still fighting for freedom amid continuing efforts to end the war with Russia.
President Donald Trump, among other world leaders, sent letters of support to Zelenskyy as Ukraine marked 34 years since the nation broke from the Soviet Union. Ukraine was one of the republics that made up the Soviet Union.
“The United States respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation,” Trump wrote in a letter to Zelenskyy.
Trump suggests Ukraine ‘play offense’ against Russia
Zelenskyy responded to that, writing, “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.”
Russia sanctions not ‘off the table’: Vance
Despite celebrations, Ukrainians marked their Independence Day Sunday with daily drone and missile attacks from Russia amid the ongoing three-year war.
Vice President JD Vance said sanctions remain an option to pressure Russia, stressing the goal is still to bring Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
Speaking Tuesday from the Oval Office, President Trump said every conversation he’s had with Putin since last Monday has been “a good conversation, and then unfortunately a bomb is loaded up.”
“I think we are going to get the war done. It’s tough,” Trump said. “I thought of the seven I settled, I thought that would be the easiest … strange things happen in war. The fact that he went to Alaska, our country, I think was a big statement that he wants to get it done; that was not easy for him.”
Trump attacks South Korean instability ahead of meeting
Trump has said he expects Russia to show progress toward peace within the next two weeks, warning he’s prepared to change course if that doesn’t happen.
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