On Independence Day, Aug. 24, Ukraine, its people, and its leadership received dozens of greetings from leaders around the world. Each message carried its own tone – some purely celebratory, others signaling political intentions.
Traditional allies show warm support
Ukraine’s neighbors and long-standing allies sent the warmest messages, reflecting both solidarity and shared concern over Russia’s aggression. Many leaders expressed their support in Ukrainian or highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
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- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda posted on Facebook, calling Russian forces a “horde” and likening their brutality to the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.
“For four years now, you have been fighting for the opportunity to live in your free homeland. Every day you show the world an unprecedented example of courage and determination, stopping the cruel Moscow horde,” Nausėda said.
- Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi wrote in Ukrainian:
“The Kremlin, with its hatred and lies, will never destroy the sacred ties that unite our hearts. We are one family. Together, we are stronger than any attempt to divide us… We dream of the day when peace returns to your lands, when children laugh without fear, and families reunite. We believe in a common European future where Ukraine and Moldova build a world based on freedom, justice, and love for one’s neighbor.”
Observers note the message came from the minister rather than the president, likely due to Moldova’s upcoming elections, where pro-Russian forces could challenge the current pro-European leadership.
Other European allies:
- Estonian President Alar Karis:
“Dear Ukrainian friends, your determination to be free and your courage to defend your freedom bring hope far beyond your borders. Estonia is with you.”
- Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
“We wish our friends in Ukraine strength and resilience!”
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson:
“We stand together with the Ukrainian people. Ukraine is fighting not only for its freedom and security but also for ours.”
European leaders (and Israel) emphasized continued support:
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen:
“A free, democratic, and independent Ukraine. That is what you are fighting for. That is what our efforts are aimed at. We are with you, as long as it takes. Because a free Ukraine is a free Europe. Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!”
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
“Ukrainians are defending themselves with great courage against Russia’s attacks. They are fighting for our way of life based on freedom in Europe and for a just peace. On Independence Day, we firmly stand by their side – today and in the future.”
- King Charles III of the UK:
“I continue to feel the deepest and sincerest respect for the unbreakable courage and spirit of the Ukrainian people. I hope that our countries can continue to cooperate closely to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
- Even Israel’s President Isaac Herzog
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine… We all hope that better days are already on the horizon,” Herzog writes.
Surprises: Trump, Xi, Erdoğan
- Donald Trump, posted on Truth Social:
“The people of Ukraine have an indomitable spirit, and your country’s courage inspires many. On this important day, know that the United States respects your struggle, honors your sacrifices, and believes in your future as an independent nation…God bless Ukraine,” Trump’s post says.
The unexpectedly warm words were surprising, especially in light of reports that Trump continues to pressure Ukraine to accept many of Moscow’s peace terms, which closely resemble its war goals. Ukrainians compared Trump’s message to last year’s greeting from Joe Biden, which was drier but more concrete, listing new weapons, sanctions, and emphasizing the US’s leadership among Ukraine’s allies.
- Xi Jinping, China’s leader wrote:
“Over the past 33 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Ukraine relations have developed steadily, and cooperation in various fields has produced impressive results. I am ready to work with you to steer our bilateral relations toward stable and long-term development and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.”
This is China’s first greeting to Ukraine in four years. The last was in 2021, before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Advisor Yuriy Podoliak called it “an extremely positive” shift:
“This indicates a significant increase in Ukraine’s role. ‘Ukraine’ is being viewed as a subject, and China is clearly stating that it is ready to perform certain functions. This could be a large negotiating polygon, for example, Ukraine, the US, Europe, and China…It should not be Russia at the negotiating table, but China. Because China determines Russia’s economic ability to continue the war. No support from China – no ability to wage war, simply no money.”
- Recep Erdoğan: Turkish President:
“On behalf of my nation and myself, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to your Excellency and to the friendly people of Ukraine on the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day.”
And Belarus…
- The salutation that perhaps surprised the most was from Putin’s ally, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The self-proclaimed president of Belarus, who provided his country’s territory for the Russian invasion in 2022, wished Ukraine a “peaceful sky.”
“I sincerely wish the citizens of Ukraine to find their own answer to today’s challenges, and for your multinational country – a peaceful sky, solidarity, and truly independent development,” Lukashenko said, according to his press office.
Belarus has facilitated prisoner exchanges and avoided permitting attacks from its territory since 2023.
- The President of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is in Europe, congratulated Ukraine with a long post on Twitter, stating that “we have a common enemy”:
“You are forced to pay the highest price for your independence. But you are defending not only your land. You are defending the right of all people to live in freedom. Your resilience and courage have become a bright example for the whole world, but especially for Belarusians. We understand your pain. We support your struggle. Belarusians stand with you. Our fighters are on the front line, our activists and volunteers work tirelessly. Belarusians around the world donate money. And in Lukashenko’s prisons are hundreds of Belarusians who suffered for supporting Ukraine. And we continue to fight for their release. We and Ukraine have a common enemy. Russian imperialism brought war to your land and made Belarus a hostage against the will of its people,” Tsikhanouskaya wrote.
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