President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 4, to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of US independence and to discuss frontline developments and diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Agreement to meet at Ankara Summit
The phone call was initially reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, citing a source, and was confirmed by President Zelensky in a statement on Telegram.
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During the call, Zelensky expressed gratitude for ongoing US assistance, highlighting both political backing and military aid. “We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance provided, from Javelins and Patriots to political support, and we deeply appreciate that America stands with us in defending our independence,” Zelensky stated.
Ukraine’s president noted that the conversation covered the current tactical situation on the battlefield as well as ongoing diplomatic tracks. Zelensky stated that there is currently a “real perspective to end the war,” emphasizing that American decisiveness will be crucial in achieving that outcome.
The two leaders agreed to continue their discussions in person during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
To mark the anniversary, the Motherland Monument in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was illuminated in the colors of the American flag.
Shared values and the ‘American dream’
The phone call followed formal written congratulations extended by the Ukrainian leadership earlier on Saturday, emphasizing the critical role of continued American support in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian aggression.
250 Years of Independence: is the US Still a Role Model?
In a broader statement commemorating the semiquincentennial, Zelensky described the “American dream” of an independent and free nation as an enduring example for the world. He highlighted the historical significance of the US in the 20th century, noting its role in forming alliances that provided long-term peace for a significant portion of humanity.
Zelensky drew direct parallels between the founding principles of the US and Ukraine’s current situation. “We see this especially in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and the right to happiness for our people with virtually the same hopes, the same meaning, and the same energy with which Americans fought for and defended their independence,” he stated.
The president also underscored the impact of specific US weapon systems. “American weapons, from the Javelins that President Trump decided to provide to Ukraine, to the Patriots that most reliably protect the lives of our people – everything with which the US has helped us defend our country proves the strength of the American spirit, American determination, and American technology,” he added.
Foreign Ministry greetings
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also issued a congratulatory message, directing his remarks to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the American public. Sybiha underscored that the values of freedom and the right to self-determination, fundamental to the US founding, also form the core of Ukrainian statehood.
Sybiha expressed gratitude to the US and its citizens for their support during “the darkest times” and specifically thanked Trump “for his tireless efforts to end the war.”
In a separate statement, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Kyiv and Washington. The Ministry stressed that continued US assistance and sustained pressure on Russia are essential for achieving a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”
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