This week on Sunday, August 24th, marks the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day. Leaders from the United States, Europe, and China have issued statements congratulating Ukraine. They praised the courage of the Ukrainian people in resisting Russian aggression and reiterated their support for Ukraine. However, Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s message differed noticeably from that of the US and European leaders, as it made no mention of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine or Ukraine’s pursuit of peace.
34 years ago, on this day, Ukraine declared independence from Soviet rule. To commemorate this historically significant day, Ukrainian President Zelensky delivered a video speech on Sunday, praising the courage of the Ukrainian people during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He stated that Ukraine would ensure peace through “strong security guarantees.”
Zelensky also expressed gratitude on social media platform X to world leaders who congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day. He emphasized that Ukraine will not lose in the war against Russia. Even as Ukraine celebrates Independence Day, clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces continue.
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau visited the war-torn country on Ukraine’s Independence Day and praised US President Trump for driving efforts towards peace in Ukraine. Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg also joined Zelensky in Kyiv to celebrate Independence Day.
Zelensky shared a letter from US President Trump on social media platform X. Trump conveyed, “On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, on behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations and warm wishes to you and the brave Ukrainian people.”
“The Ukrainian people possess an indomitable spirit, and the courage of your country inspires many,” Trump said. “As you commemorate this important day, know that the United States respects your struggle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in the future of Ukraine as an independent nation. Now is the time to end this senseless bloodshed. The United States supports achieving a lasting peaceful solution through negotiations to end the bloodshed, uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and dignity. May God bless Ukraine.”
NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg issued a video statement, saying, “I congratulate Ukraine on its 34th Independence Day. If there is one country that should achieve peace as soon as possible, it is Ukraine. I want to assure you that NATO stands with you.”
European Commission President von der Leyen stated on X platform, “A free, democratic, independent Ukraine is the goal you are fighting for. It is also our goal. No matter how long it takes, we stand with you. Because a free Ukraine is a free Europe. Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!”
British King Charles III sent a congratulatory letter to Zelensky, congratulating the Ukrainian people on their 34th Independence Day.
“I have the greatest and deepest respect for the indomitable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people,” he said. “I firmly believe that our countries will continue to work closely together to achieve lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
British Prime Minister Stammer said on X platform, “We stand with Ukraine today and always.”
Merkel stated on X platform, “The Ukrainian people are resisting Russian attacks with extraordinary courage. They are fighting to preserve Europe’s freedom-based way of life and to achieve a just peace. On Independence Day, we firmly stand with them – today and in the future.”
Macron sent a message of congratulations to Zelensky and extended warmest wishes to the Ukrainian people.
“For the past three and a half years, Ukraine has earned worldwide respect and admiration in the fight for freedom, independence, and territorial integrity. The courage and determination of the Ukrainian people are a commitment to us and will be forever recorded in history,” he said. “Since February 24, 2022, France has stood by Ukraine and its people, supporting them in resisting Russian aggression.”
Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping also sent a congratulatory message to Zelensky. However, the content of his message was markedly different from that of the US and European leaders, as Xi Jinping made no mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict or Ukraine’s pursuit of peace, only emphasizing the development of China-Ukraine relations. He expressed his “sincere congratulations and best wishes” to the “friendly Ukrainian people.”
He also stated, “China and Ukraine have a tradition of friendship. In the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Ukraine relations have steadily developed, with significant achievements in various areas.”
Xi concluded by expressing his willingness to work together with the Ukrainian President to promote stable and long-term development of bilateral relations.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, China’s relations with the West have deteriorated due to its support for Russia, and it has faced condemnation from Ukraine. On August 20th, Ukrainian President Zelensky clearly stated that Ukraine opposes allowing China to participate in post-war Ukrainian security. The reason is that China did not help Ukraine stop the war from the beginning and instead aided Russia by opening its drone market.
In May of this year, Oleh Ivashchenko, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, stated that intelligence indicated China was providing machinery, special chemicals, explosives, and components to Russian military enterprises. Ukraine confirmed data from 20 Russian factories.
He also mentioned that as of early 2025, 80% of critical electronic components in Russian drones originated from China.
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, leaders from Turkey, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania also extended congratulations to Ukraine.