Rubio sends congratulations on Russia Day

The US secretary of state has reiterated his hope for a lasting peace between Moscow and Kiev

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated the Russian people on Russia Day, while vowing to work toward reaching a resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Rubio delivered the message on Wednesday, saying “the United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future.”

The secretary of state took the opportunity to “reaffirm the United States’ desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine.”

He added that “It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries.”

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It was the first such public statement by a US secretary of state since 2021, when Antony Blinken marked Russia Day by saying the US is “steadfastly committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on the aspirations outlined in the Declaration of Russian State Sovereignty and their desire to work together with the international community and cooperate peacefully on matters of global concern.”

Russia and the US have had strained relations for years, hitting an all-time low under then-US President Joe Biden following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, since taking office, President Donald Trump has moved to restore direct dialogue with Moscow.

On Tuesday, Russia’s new ambassador to the US, Aleksandr Darchiev, reported that he met with Trump at the White House to present his credentials.

Darchiev said he promised Trump that the embassy would “do everything to restore Russian-American relations,” adding that he believes the two great powers “are destined for non-confrontational peaceful coexistence.”

He went on to say that there is now a “window of opportunity” to resume full intergovernmental ties and to seek “mutually respectful and equal solutions” to global problems.