Ukraine receives congratulations from heads of state, heads of government and spiritual leaders on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of independence.
In his congratulations to the people of Ukraine addressed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump underscored the challenges facing Ukraine and the world this year, noting the importance of peace initiatives of the Ukrainian authorities and confrontation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am proud the United States has provided more than $41 million in assistance to Ukraine to combat the virus and its economic impact. This Independence Day is also an important celebration as Ukraine bravely continues to push back against ongoing Russian aggression. I applaud your efforts to bring a peaceful end to the Russia-led conflict in eastern Ukraine,” the United States President said.
Donald Trump also noted that the United States continues to unwaveringly support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity until it regains control of its entire territory, including Crimea.
“A free and independent Ukraine is driven forward by its thriving democracy. The United States strongly supports reform in Ukraine, and we stand with all Ukrainians - whether in government, business, or civil society - whose efforts advance the rule of law, foster economic growth and attract foreign investment, and accelerate Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration,” the US President emphasized.
In his greetings, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron wished the Ukrainian people prosperity and peace.
He also noted the persistence and openness of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to achieve tangible progress in restoring peace in Donbas.
"This resolute position, which paved the way for a summit in Paris in December last year, has led to a series of release of prisoners related to the conflict, as well as to the recent measures aimed at strengthening the ceasefire regime," Emmanuel Macron emphasized.
He assured that France, together with Germany, would continue to stay close to Ukraine in search of a lasting political solution to the conflict in the east of the country, as well as to defend Ukraine's sovereignty within internationally recognized borders.
"With reference to our recent talks, I would like to wish further development of our bilateral relations and strengthening of ties of friendship and trust between our countries," the letter of the President of the French Republic to Volodymyr Zelenskyy reads.
President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier congratulated the citizens of Ukraine on Independence Day on behalf of the German people.
"Germany will continue to effectively stand in solidarity with Ukraine in preserving its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will tirelessly advocate for an end to the violence and suffering of Ukrainians living in the east of the country. On the Independence Day of Ukraine, I would like to emphasize: Crimea remains part of Ukraine," the letter from Frank-Walter Steinmeier reads.
Given the great challenges facing Ukraine, the German President wished Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people "great strength and courage to support each other, take the necessary steps in reforms and overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic".
On the occasion of Independence Day, Pope Francis conveyed to the President of Ukraine and all Ukrainian citizens wishes of peace and prosperity.
"At this time, as you celebrate the country's Independence Day in the wake of the epidemic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I assure you and your citizens of my prayer and closeness, so that you build a stable and united state in a spirit of unity, solidarity and dialogue. So that every Ukrainian can live in peace, prosperity, security and fellowship. May the Lord bless you and all the people of your country,” the pontiff's letter reads.
President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga, who visited Donbas with Volodymyr Zelenskyy this year, also conveyed best wishes for the Independence Day to the President of Ukraine.
“Good, trusting relations between our two countries enable us to address major global challenges together. Still having very good memories of my recent visit to your country, I very much look forward to working with you to meet these challenges. I wish you and the people of Ukraine happiness, prosperity and every success for the future,” Simonetta Sommaruga noted.
"It is with great pleasure that I send Your Excellency my warm congratulations on the occasion of your national holiday, together with the best wishes to the people of Ukraine at this difficult time," Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom noted.
On the anniversary of the proclamation of Ukraine's independence, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda wished the President of Ukraine unity and peace.
Andrzej Duda expressed content that bilateral relations between Poland and Ukraine develop in an amicable, harmonious and stable way, and that Ukraine's role as a close and important partner country of Poland is constantly growing.
"We appreciate our dialogue on both bilateral and regional issues. Poland invariably supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and remains a supporter of its interests in the European Union and NATO," the President of Poland said.
President of Hungary János Áder noted in his greeting that Hungary was one of the first to recognize Ukraine's independence and continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state in the field of common European values.
"I am convinced that good neighborly relations and close cooperation between Hungary and Ukraine have no alternative. I am happy to say that this year we have finally become closer in our relations. We still have many tasks ahead, but I am confident that through mutual respect and good intentions we will be able to find solutions to the issues that remain open,” János Áder said in his greeting.
President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová sent a video message to the President of Ukraine congratulating him on the occasion of Independence Day. She wished the Ukrainian people strength and determination.
On the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sent a letter to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wishing him good health and happiness, and the government and the friendly Ukrainian people - sustainable progress and prosperity.
President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of Peru Martín Vizcarra Cornejo and many others also congratulated Ukraine on the national holiday.
"I am very happy that Ukraine is so high on the agenda in the international arena. Tomorrow we are 29 years old. We are still so young, but already so experienced. I am sure that Ukraine has something to surprise the world. And we will do everything to make Ukraine known as a prosperous country of happy people," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.