Rubio congratulates Russians on Russia Day and expresses hope for peace in Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has congratulated Russian citizens on Russia Day.

A corresponding press release was published on the website of the U.S. State Department.

In his statement, Rubio emphasized that Washington continues to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

“We maintain hope that a lasting peace will pave the way for a more prosperous future for the Russian people and a more constructive relationship between our two countries,” Rubio said.

Russia Day is one of the country’s main public holidays. In 2026, Russians have three consecutive days off — from June 12 to 14. The holiday marks the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia in 1990.

On the same date a year later, elections for the country’s first president were held, which Boris Yeltsin won. In 1994, he signed a declaration establishing the holiday in honor of the country’s gained sovereignty. The date received its current name in 2002.

Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the United States had launched a “hunt” for Russians in Thailand.