Trump calls for an end to the ‘bloodshed’, Zelensky reiterates: ‘Never a compromise peace’

Trump calls for an end to the ‘bloodshed’, Zelensky reiterates: ‘Never a compromise peace’
On the 34th anniversary of Independence, speech by the Ukrainian president in Kiev

Trump continues to repeat that there must be a quick end to the carnage, but his actions do not go beyond words and he does not show the same toughness he has with Zelensky towards Putin.

On the 34th anniversary of Independence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the people from Independence Square in Kiev, recalling the sacrifice of the nation’s defenders: ‘Names we will never forget, who defended our independence.’

Zelensky’s speech
The president thanked the military, volunteers, doctors and citizens for their contribution: ‘For every day of this war for independence, I want to thank all Ukrainians for what we have already gone through and what we are building together.’ He emphasised the country’s resilience despite Russian aggression: ‘Every day, the Russians attack our peaceful cities, our hospitals, our schools, killing civilians and children. We respond with justice, with our targeted attacks when our demands for peace are ignored.’

On the need for fair negotiations, Zelensky emphasised: “Ukraine will never again be forced into the shame of compromise. We need a just peace. What will become of our future depends only on us.‘ He then added that Ukraine is no longer a victim but a fighter, internationally recognised as a ’strong ally,‘ with the goal of building ’a European, independent and secure Ukraine that our children can celebrate in peace.”

Occupied territories and national unity
Zelensky reiterated that Kiev will never recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. “It is only a matter of time before Ukraine can reunite its occupied lands with the rest of the country. One day, the distance between Ukrainians will disappear, and we will be together again as one family, as one country”.

Trump’s message
On the 34th anniversary of Independence, US President Donald Trump sent a message of congratulations to the people and government of Kiev, expressing his desire to end the war with Russia, which he called ‘senseless carnage.’ In a letter posted on social media by Zelensky, Trump praised the ‘unwavering spirit’ of the Ukrainian people and their ‘fight for freedom,’ reiterating the United States’ support for the country’s sovereignty.

The celebration comes at a crucial moment, as complex peace negotiations promoted by Trump himself continue. Last week, Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska without achieving any concrete results. Kiev is seeking security guarantees for the future, but a direct face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin has not yet been arranged. Thanking Trump for his ‘words of support,’ Zelensky reiterated that ‘by working together’ it will be possible to ‘end the war and achieve lasting peace.’

The Pope’s message
A thought for Ukraine also came from Pope Leo XIV, who wrote in a letter to Zelensky: ‘I pray that the clamour of arms may be silenced and give way to dialogue, opening the way to peace for the good of all.’ The Pontiff spoke of “a heart wounded by the violence that is devastating your land” and expressed his closeness to the Ukrainian people, especially those who have lost loved ones or their homes.

In the letter, the Pope invoked divine consolation: “May God strengthen the wounded and grant eternal rest to the deceased. I implore the Lord to move the hearts of people of good will”. Finally, he entrusted ‘your nation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.’

Kiev’s gratitude
Zelensky publicly thanked the Pontiff with a post on X: “I am sincerely grateful to His Holiness for his thoughtful words, prayers and attention to the Ukrainian people in the midst of this devastating war. All our hopes and efforts are directed towards our country to achieve the long-awaited peace. May goodness, truth and justice prevail.”

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(Photo: © AndKronos)