In a statement published
by the U.S. State Department, Secretary Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian
people as they celebrate Russia
Day on June 12.
“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day,” the message said.
The secretary reiterated that Washington “remains committed” to settling the Russo–Ukrainian war.
“We remain hopeful that a durable peace will pave the way toward a more prosperous future for the Russian people and a more constructive relationship between our two countries.”
On the same day, President dictator Putin said that Moscow will
intensify strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force also warned
of a high likelihood that Russia might soon launch another Oreshnik intermediate-range
ballistic missile (IRBM) at Ukraine.