Overview

• King Charles III and Queen Camilla sent an Independence Day letter praising Ukrainians’ courage and urging a just, lasting peace, which Zelensky called an inspiration.
• President Trump congratulated Ukraine and backed a negotiated settlement to end the war, adding “God bless Ukraine,” and Zelensky thanked the United States for standing “shoulder to shoulder.”
• Downing Street flew Ukrainian flags for the holiday and the UK extended Operation Interflex, keeping British training for Ukrainian troops in place until the end of 2026.
• Trump’s recent meetings with Vladimir Putin in Alaska and with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington advanced talks toward direct negotiations, though the Kremlin says a summit requires an agreed agenda.
• Russian officials reported a drone-damaged transformer and brief fire near the Kursk nuclear plant with no casualties or radiation increase, as the IAEA continued urging restraint around nuclear sites.