World leaders from across the political and religious spectrum have sent messages of support to Ukraine as the war-torn nation marks 34 years since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, with unexpected solidarity coming from both Washington and Beijing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spent Sunday morning thanking various heads of state for their messages, sharing letters from Pope Leo XIV, US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and King Charles III on social media as Ukraine commemorates its Independence Day amid continuing Russian aggression.
The diverse array of well-wishers reflects Ukraine’s complex diplomatic position three and a half years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, with traditional Western allies joined by more surprising voices in marking the anniversary.
Papal Call for Peace
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff who was elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, used his message to express hope for an end to the conflict that has devastated Ukraine since February 2022.
“I hope the clamour of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace,” the Pope wrote in his letter to Zelensky, demonstrating the Vatican’s continued diplomatic engagement with the crisis.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born Pope, who spent decades as a missionary in Peru before his elevation to the papacy, has maintained his predecessor’s policy of calling for peace while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Trump Urges ‘Negotiated Settlement’
President Trump’s message struck a more direct tone, calling for immediate action to end what he termed “senseless killing” in Ukraine. The US leader urged for a “negotiated settlement that leads to a durable, lasting peace that ends the bloodshed and safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity”.
Now is the moment to bring an end to the senseless killing,” Trump wrote, reflecting his administration’s recent intensive diplomatic efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia.
The message comes just days after Trump hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on August 18, where discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and potential frameworks for ending the conflict. Trump has since been working to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
China’s Neutral Stance
Most notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent congratulations to Ukraine, though his message conspicuously avoided any mention of the ongoing war. Beijing has maintained official neutrality throughout the conflict despite its close ties with Moscow.
The absence of any reference to Russian aggression in Xi’s letter underscores China’s delicate diplomatic position. While claiming neutrality, China has emerged as a key economic lifeline for Russia throughout the war, providing dual-use goods that NATO leaders say support Russia’s defence sector.
Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have repeatedly called for dialogue and a political solution to the conflict, with Xi telling Trump in recent conversations that China stands ready to play a constructive role in peace efforts.
Royal Admiration
King Charles III’s message was perhaps the most emotionally resonant, expressing “the greatest and deepest admiration for the unbreakable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people” in a letter that Zelensky shared on social media.
“I remain hopeful that our countries will be able to further work closely together to achieve a just and lasting peace,” the British monarch wrote, continuing his consistent support for Ukraine since the invasion began.
In response, Zelensky said the King’s “kind words are a true inspiration for our people during the difficult time of war”, highlighting the importance of moral support from international leaders.
Global Commemorations
Ukraine’s Independence Day, marking the parliament’s Declaration of Independence on August 24, 1991, has taken on profound new meaning since Russia’s invasion. This year’s commemorations are being held not with the traditional military parades in Kyiv, but through acts of resilience and international solidarity.
Ukrainian communities worldwide are organising events from Warsaw to Washington, with celebrations planned in over 50 cities globally. In London, Ukrainian flags will fly above Whitehall government buildings in a show of support from the UK government.
The Ukrainian World Congress called on “freedom-loving people around the globe to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine” as the nation marks independence “not with quiet reflection, but with fierce resolve”.
Diplomatic Momentum
The convergence of messages from such diverse global leaders suggests growing international momentum for a negotiated solution to the conflict. Trump’s recent diplomatic push, including his summit with Putin in Alaska and the unprecedented gathering of European leaders at the White House, has raised hopes for progress.
German political analyst Alexander Rahr suggested that a potential summit between Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing on September 3, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, could prove decisive for Ukraine’s future.
However, significant obstacles remain. Putin continues to demand Ukrainian territorial concessions and a veto on NATO membership, while Zelensky maintains that any peace must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Enduring Spirit
As Ukraine enters its 35th year of independence, the nation faces its gravest challenge since gaining sovereignty from the Soviet Union. Yet the breadth of international support, from the Vatican to Beijing, demonstrates that Ukraine’s cause continues to resonate globally.
Ukrainians always pay back their debts,” Zelensky said in his Independence Day address. “And whoever wished misery upon our land shall find it in their own home. This is not a prophecy, not gloating, not blind revenge; it is a pattern. It is justice.”
The convergence of papal prayers, American pragmatism, Chinese diplomacy and British solidarity on this anniversary offers a glimmer of hope that international pressure may yet forge a path to peace, even as Ukraine’s independence remains under assault.
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