Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on US' 250th Independence Day, says "America's resolve is decisive"; Putin also extends greetings
Kyiv, July 5
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday congratulated US President Donald Trump and the American people on the occasion of the United States' 250th Independence Day, saying the two leaders held a "very good phone call" during which they discussed the war between Russia and Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy said, "I have congratulated President Trump and all Americans on the Independence Day."
"We've had a very good phone call. We are grateful to the United States for all the assistance we have received - from Javelins and Patriots to political support - and we deeply value that America stands by us in defending our independence," he said.
Expressing gratitude to the American people, Zelenskyy added, "I am grateful to every American heart that cares about the future of Ukraine, Europe, and everyone around the world for whom freedom matters."
The Ukrainian President said the two leaders discussed developments on the battlefield as well as diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.
"Of course, President Trump and I discussed the current situation on the frontline as well as our diplomatic efforts. There is a real prospect to put an end to this war, and America's resolve is decisive," Zelenskyy said.
He further said, "We have agreed to continue these discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara."
Concluding his message, Zelenskyy wrote, "Thank you, the United States! Thank you, Mr. President! Happy Fourth of July! Wishing Americans continued prosperity and every success."
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Trump and the American people on the occasion of US Independence Day during a phone conversation, Sputnik reported.
According to Sputnik, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the call was initiated by the American side and lasted one hour and 25 minutes.
During the conversation, Putin extended his greetings to Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Russian President also recalled Russia's contribution to the formation of American statehood and wished Trump success in hosting the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Sputnik reported.
On July 4, America is celebrating 250 years of independence.
The White House on its official website noted that under President Trump, the United States is executing a full year of festivities, which began on Memorial Day, 2025, and will continue through the end of 2026.
The White House is engaging all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across the country to celebrate this historic milestone.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate India's neutral stance, seeing these two leaders simultaneously reaching out to Washington shows the reality of global power dynamics. Our PM Modi has been balancing relations with both Russia and the West beautifully, but we must learn from how quickly smaller nations like Ukraine need to align with superpowers for survival. 🇮🇳
250 years of American independence - quite a milestone! But look at how both Zelenskyy's thanks and Putin's greetings show that even superpowers need to talk. As an Indian, I'm reminded of our own independence struggle. We should focus on strengthening our own international positions rather than taking sides.
The NATO summit mention is concerning - India has always opposed military blocs. We need more diplomatic solutions, not more alliance posturing. Zelenskyy calling America's resolve 'decisive' while Putin recalls Russia's historic role - both sides want to use American celebration for their own narratives. Wise Indians should see through this.
Classic diplomatic maneuvering! Russia's reminder of their role in US independence and Ukraine's thanks for Javelins - both trying to leverage America's birthday for their own goals. India should watch and learn how to use such occasions wisely. Also, 1 hour 25 mins call with Putin vs 'very good' with Zelenskyy - interesting contrast.
As an American living in India, this makes me proud of the 250th. But it's complex - we're hearing from both sides of the conflict. Happy 4th of July to everyone! I hope the Indian perspective on maintaining peace helps the world see that war isn't the only answer.