Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a congratulatory telegram to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Independence Day, expressing hope that relations between the two countries “will gain stability and predictability.”
The message, shared by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, conveyed Lavrov’s “sincere congratulations to the American people” and support for their “aspirations for unity and the realization of the traditional American dream.”
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“I hope that through joint efforts, relations between our countries will consolidate on a constructive path and gain stability and predictability based on mutual respect and consideration of national interests, as dictated by history, geography, and current realities,” the telegram read.
Lavrov also wished US citizens “a path of peace and shared prosperity” and referenced the US Declaration of Independence’s emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
A day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump during a phone call, claiming that Russia “played an important role in the development of American statehood.”
This congratulation came amid Russia’s launch of one of the most intense aerial assaults of the full-scale war. Moscow fired 550 Shahed drones, decoy UAVs, and missiles into Ukraine, including ballistic weapons.
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the predawn hours of July 4 as one of the worst nights Kyiv has endured during the war. He said the capital was hit with a combination of drones and missiles in a “terrible and sleepless night,” stressing the attack followed directly after Putin’s phone call with Trump.
“Putin is clearly showing complete contempt for the US and everyone calling for an end to this war,” Sybiha said. “This must be a wake-up call to the world. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace – peace through force.”
Sybiha urged the US and its allies to toughen sanctions against Moscow and provide Ukraine with all necessary defense systems.
“Wrong decisions only encourage the aggressor to commit more crimes. If Putin gets away with this, it sends a signal to every other dictator,” he added.
President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed that sentiment, posting on Telegram:
“This was one of the largest air strikes – demonstratively significant and cynical. A total of 550 targets were used, including at least 330 Shahed drones, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.”
Zelensky said the air raid sirens across Ukraine began just as international media started discussing Putin’s call with Trump.
“Russia once again shows it has no intention of stopping its war or terror,” he said. “The alert in Kyiv wasn’t canceled until around 9 a.m. It was a harsh, sleepless night.”
He added that Ukraine’s interceptor drones were active during the assault and managed dozens of successful engagements.
In addition to Kyiv, the Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv regions were affected by the assault. As of now, 23 people are confirmed injured, including from falling debris and direct strikes.
“All of this clearly shows that without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not abandon its stupid, destructive behavior. For every blow it delivers to our people and way of life, there must be an equivalent response - through sanctions, hits to its economy, its profits, and its infrastructure,” Zelensky wrote.
“That’s the only way to quickly change the situation for the better. And it depends on our partners – above all, the US,” he added.
Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, also posted photos of the aftermath, captioning them: “The war Putin is waging. These are the ‘goals’ he wants to achieve – just killing Ukrainians while he is allowed to.”
Yermak added that only by striking the Russian economy and defense industry can Putin’s regime be stopped.
“Otherwise, it will spill over to Europe. Russia’s autocratic allies are watching – and ready to act,” he wrote.
On the evening of July 3, air raid sirens in Kyiv lasted over two hours, followed by a renewed alert. In the early morning of July 4, Russia launched a combined ballistic and drone strike on the capital.
According to the latest official data, 23 people were injured in Kyiv, 14 of whom were hospitalized.
Notably, Rubio extended congratulations to the Russian people on Russia Day, June 12, even as Russian military losses in the war against Ukraine reportedly surpassed one million killed and wounded.
In an official statement, Rubio conveyed greetings “on behalf of the American people” and expressed continued US support for Russians “as they pursue their aspirations for a brighter future.”
He also used the occasion to reaffirm the US commitment to “constructive engagement with the Russian Federation” aimed at achieving a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. Rubio added that such peace could pave the way for more mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.
His comments came as Ukraine’s General Staff announced that Russian combat losses since the start of the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, had surpassed 1,000,000 personnel, including both killed and wounded.
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