Trump Congratulates Zelenskyy on Ukraine’s 35th Independence Anniversary
KYIV, August 25, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine on the country’s 35th Independence Day, with a message emphasizing the long-standing relationship between Washington and Kyiv and the need to end the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy shared the message publicly on social media, describing Trump’s congratulations as “warm and heartening.” The message came as Ukraine marked its Independence Day on August 24 amid the continuing war with Russia.
Trump Highlights U.S.-Ukraine Relations
In the message addressed to Zelenskyy, Trump said the United States congratulated Ukraine on its national day and highlighted 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The U.S. president also praised the resilience of the Ukrainian people and expressed confidence in Ukraine’s future as an independent and prosperous nation.
The message comes as Ukraine and its Western partners continue to focus on security cooperation and efforts to bring the war to an end. European leaders gathered in Kyiv for the anniversary, reaffirming support for Ukraine amid continuing Russian attacks.
Call for an End to the Conflict
Trump’s message also focused on the prospect of peace, expressing hope that the current moment could be used to end the conflict and establish a lasting settlement.
For Kyiv, the issue of ending the war remains closely connected to protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy said during Independence Day events that Ukraine wants peace but would not accept peace at the cost of surrender.
Zelenskyy Thanks Trump and Americans
After sharing Trump’s message, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. president and the American people for their support and congratulations.
He linked the American message to Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian attacks, saying that continued international assistance gives Ukrainians hope that lives can be protected and a dignified peace can eventually be achieved.
The exchange comes at a significant moment for Ukraine, which marked 35 years since its parliament declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The anniversary this year was observed while the country remains under the pressure of the continuing war.
European Leaders Show Support in Kyiv
Trump’s message arrived as several European leaders visited Kyiv for Ukraine’s Independence Day. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other European officials joined Zelenskyy and reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
European governments also announced additional measures involving military assistance, air defense and sanctions against Russia.
The anniversary therefore became both a national occasion for Ukraine and an important diplomatic moment, with messages from international partners emphasizing support, security and the search for a durable peace.
For Ukraine, the latest diplomatic messages underline the importance of maintaining international backing as Kyiv continues to seek an end to the war while preserving its independence and sovereignty.
