Rubio wishes congratulates Russian people on 'Russia Day'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday extended a warm greeting to the Russian people on their national day and expressed hope for improved relations with Moscow.

"On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," he said in a press release. "The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future."

"We also take this opportunity to reaffirm the United States’ desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine. It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," he added.

Rubio's message comes as negotiations to end the Ukraine War have stalled and the Russian military continues to post significant advances on the eastern front.

Russia Day marks the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and is its de facto independence day from the Soviet Union. Russia also celebrates "Unity Day" on Nov. 4, to mark an uprising against Polish occupation in 1612, during the Time of Troubles.