President Trump praised Ukraine’s “unbreakable spirit” and “courage” in a letter marking the 34th anniversary of the Eastern European country’s independence, and Mr. Trump again stressed that now is the moment to end the Russia–Ukraine war.
Mr. Trump’s letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shared on social media by the Ukrainian leader, underscores how the relationship between the two men has improved dramatically since a disastrous Oval Office meeting between them in February. The duo’s more recent meeting, last week at the White House, was by all accounts much more positive.
In his letter, Mr. Trump said any deal to end the war must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. That is a notable comment given reports that the Trump administration might back a proposal that gives some of Ukraine’s Donbas region to Russia.
“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,” Mr. Trump said, according to the letter shared by Mr. Zelenskyy. “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.”
“Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing,” Mr. Trump continued. “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. God bless Ukraine.”
Mr. Trump is pushing hard for Mr. Zelenskyy to meet face to face with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to end the war, now well into its fourth year. But the Kremlin says no such meeting is being planned right now.
Mr. Putin also is reportedly insisting that Ukraine cede all or part of the Donbas region to Russia as part of any deal.
While the U.S. has appeared open to that concept, some European leaders are deeply opposed to it. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, told the BBC late last week that the West would be walking into a “trap” set by Mr. Putin if it accepts such an agreement.
Military insiders and former Pentagon officials warn that the Russian military would use any new territory to construct new bases and extend its reach deeper into Europe.
Mr. Trump was one of many world leaders who sent letters to Mr. Zelenskyy on Sunday, Ukraine’s independence day. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent a letter. China is a key ally of Russia, remains the leading buyer of Russian oil, and has faced accusations of indirectly supporting Russia’s war machine.
“I stand ready to work with you to guide our bilateral relations towards steady and long-term development and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries,” Mr. Xi said in the letter, according to the copy shared on Mr. Zelenskyy’s X account.
