Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent a telegram to his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, extending congratulations on the United States’ Independence Day and expressing hope for a “positive stability” in relations between Moscow and Washington, reports Rks News.
“I ask you to convey sincere congratulations to the American people on the occasion of their national holiday and to express the Russian Federation’s support for their aspirations for unity and the fulfillment of the traditional American dream,” Lavrov stated.
In his message, he added that he hopes relations between the two countries will be based on mutual respect and national interests, taking into account “history, geography, and realities on the ground.”
This statement came at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that there had been no progress in ending the conflict in Ukraine, following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia insists that “realities on the ground” be considered in peace negotiations, while the Russian military currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory.
