Kyiv- President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Ukraine’s Independence Day with a vow that the country will not surrender and will keep fighting “until its calls for peace are heard.” He stressed Ukraine seeks “a just peace” decided only by its people, declaring: “Ukraine is not a victim, it is a fighter.”

Kyiv hosted international guests including Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who pledged $2 billion Canadian dollars in military aid, including drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles. US envoy Keith Kellogg attended, with President Donald Trump sending a letter urging an end to “senseless killing.” King Charles of the UK also praised Ukrainians’ “unbreakable spirit.” The UK confirmed it will keep training Ukrainian troops until 2026.

Norway announced $693 million worth of air defence systems in partnership with Germany, while Sweden agreed to co-produce defence equipment with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, peace efforts appear to be collapsing. Despite last week’s Alaska summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, no breakthrough was reached. Trump has signaled frustration and threatened new sanctions on Moscow. Zelensky accuses Russia of blocking talks, while Moscow says Kyiv refuses to agree on a summit agenda.

For now, Ukraine shows no sign of backing down, and Europe is sending more weapons, suggesting the war is set to grind on with no peace deal in sight.