"As you celebrate this important day, know that the US respects your fight, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation," US President Donald Trump wrote in a congratulatory letter to President Volodymyr Zelensky on Ukraine's Independence Day. Zelensky reposted the letter on X on 24/8.
"The US supports a peaceful solution through negotiations, bringing a lasting and enduring peace, ending the bloodshed, and protecting Ukraine's sovereignty and dignity," Trump wrote. "God bless Ukraine."
In the post, President Zelensky thanked his US counterpart for the encouraging letter and for the US "standing with Ukraine."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office, White House, on 18/8. Photo: Reuters |
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office, White House, on 18/8. Photo: Reuters
Earlier last week, Trump met with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House to discuss the peace negotiation process for Ukraine. The parties are considering US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine following the meeting, but it remains unclear how this will take shape. Initially, President Trump said the US could participate in a European-led peacekeeping force to protect Ukraine, but later stated he would not send US troops into the field.
Despite this, the latest White House meeting is considered a positive sign, contrasting sharply with the verbal sparring between Trump and Zelensky in February. That incident began with a jibe from Trump about Zelensky's attire and ended with the US president asking his counterpart to leave early.
This time, President Zelensky wore a suit, and US Vice President JD Vance, who had previously rebuked the Ukrainian leader for not thanking the US for aid during their first meeting, remained silent.
The Oval Office conversation took place just days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit did not produce a ceasefire agreement, but Trump asserted he is pushing for a lasting peace deal for Ukraine.
Vu Hoang (According to USA Today, AFP, Reuters)
