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What you need to know
- World leaders from Germany to India congratulate US on its 250th birthday
- British King Charles says US-UK to continue to defend ‘shared values’
- Putin hails ‘glorious’ chapters in US-Russia ties, while Zelenskyy likens Ukraine’s struggle to US fight for independence
- Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants in July 4 appeal
- Trump extols America, slams communism on eve of the 250th Independence Day
Here is a roundup of the top developments in the United States as the country celebrates its 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026:
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Skip next section Zelenskyy likens Ukraine war to US fight for independence07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Zelenskyy likens Ukraine war to US fight for independence
Congratulating the US on its 250th Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew parallels between the US’ struggle for independence and Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion.
Just as Americans fought for their independence, Ukraine is now fighting for its sovereignty and freedom, Zelenskyy said.
Noting that the US had helped free the world from “tyrants” in the last century, he underlined: “Now, in the 21st century, America’s influence and importance are certainly no less.”
“And we see that particularly clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and our people’s right to happiness with much the same hope, the same purpose, and the same determination with which Americans won and defended their own independence.”
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4WSkip next section Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Pope Leo urges US to welcome immigrants
As Americans celebrate 250 years of independence, Pope Leo urged them to welcome and protect immigrants.
“To receive (immigrants) with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” he said in a letter sent to the United States.
The pope’s appeal came as he visited the Italian Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which is a gateway for migrants risking dangerous Mediterranean crossings to reach Europe from Africa.
Leo is the Catholic Church’s first US pope.
He has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s policies aimed at curtailing migration into the US.
The pope called the US administration’s treatment of immigrants “inhuman.”
His stance drew the ire of President Donald Trump.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4NSkip next section Modi congratulates US and Trump on 250th Independence Day07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Modi congratulates US and Trump on 250th Independence Day
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated President Donald Trump and the people of the United States for the 250th Independence Day.
He said India and the US “share more than a strategic partnership,” pointing to “shared belief in democracy, rule of law” and close people-to-people ties.
“May the next 250 years bring even greater prosperity, peace and progress for America and take the India-US partnership to new heights,” Modi said in a post on X.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4USkip next section German chancellor says trans-Atlantic partnership ‘indispensable’07/04/2026July 4, 2026
German chancellor says trans-Atlantic partnership ‘indispensable’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has congratulated the US on its 250th birthday, saying the country was “founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility” 250 years ago.
He said both Germany and the US have since been “bound by a close friendship.”
“Especially in challenging times, our trans-Atlantic partnership remains indispensable,” Merz wrote in a message posted on X.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ga4aSkip next section Welcome to our coverage07/04/2026July 4, 2026
Welcome to our coverage
Wesley Dockery Editor
The United States is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its independence from Great Britain on Saturday, July 4.
Events are planned across the country to mark the historical milestone. Leaders from around the world are extending their congratulations.
Major celebrations are taking place in cities including New York, Boston and Los Angeles.
The capital, Washington, will see a massive fireworks display and military flyovers.
President Donald Trump said he will deliver “a really long speech” to mark the occasion.
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