Rubio marks Russia Day, reaffirms calls for peace with Ukraine
The United States supports Russians' aspirations for a brighter future, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the occasion of Russia Day, reaffirming a desire for constructive engagement in efforts to bring about peace in the war with Ukraine.
The Russia Day holiday marks the country's 1990 declaration of sovereignty, more than a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
'The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future,' Rubio said in a statement on the State Department website.
'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,' he added.
Russia says it takes more territory in east-central Ukraine, creating 'buffer zone' there
'It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries.'
On Wednesday, Russian news agencies said Moscow's new ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, pledged to work to fully restore ties with Washington as he formally presented his credentials to President Donald Trump.
Ties between Moscow and Washington have improved since Trump took office, as the two discuss a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
World reacts to Israeli strike on Iran over nuclear programme
Israel said early on Friday it had struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons, and Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country's main uranium enrichment facility. Calling it a 'decisive moment in Israel's history', Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was also targeting Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb and missile factories in an operation that would continue for days. Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran. Here are some reactions from top officials and governments around the world: US secretary of state Marco Rubio 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.' 'Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' Australian foreign minister Penny Wong 'Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran. This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. 'We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.' New zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon 'It's a really unwelcome development in the Middle East. The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need any more military action, and risk associated with that.'
Business Recorder
16 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Air India plane crash: reactions from across the world
Many people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said. All 242 people on board Air India plane have died, Indian Express reports Here's what world leaders have said so far: Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, on X: 'The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.' 'In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.' British prime minister Keir Starmer, on X: 'The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.' 'I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.' Britain's King Charles, in a statement on X: 'My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.' Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus in a message to Modi: 'We extend our deepest condolences to all the families who lost their dear ones at this tragic incident.' 'We stand in solidarity with the people and Government of India, and offer our full support in any form.' European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen, on X: 'My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.' 'Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.' Russian president Vladimir Putin to Modi, in an official Telegram published on Kremlin website: 'Please accept my deep condolences on the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad airport.' 'Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes of a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.' French president Emmanuel Macron, on X: 'We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.' Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, on X: 'The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected.' 'Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.' IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN, ON X: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene.' General secretary of British airline pilots' association Amy Leversidge: 'Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots' Association send condolences to all those affected. 'It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now carried out without interference or unhelpful speculation about the contributory factors so that future tragedies can be avoided.'
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business Recorder
NATO chief hopeful of spending deal as meets allies in Rome
ROME: NATO chief Mark Rutte said Thursday he was 'pretty confident' of getting a deal on boosting defence spending at a summit later this month, as he met European allies in Rome. He joined foreign ministers and diplomats from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Poland, Spain, Ukraine and the EU to discuss defence spending and their support for Kyiv, as Russia escalates its bombardments. The meeting of the so-called 'Weimar+' group comes ahead of a G7 summit in Canada on June 15-17, where allies will push US President Donald Trump to be more aggressive in punishing the Kremlin. It will be followed by a NATO meeting in The Hague on June 24-25, where the focus will be reaching a deal that satisfies Trump's demands to spend five percent of GDP on defence. Rutte is urging NATO members to commit to 3.5 percent of GDP on direct military spending by 2032, and an additional 1.5 percent on broader security-related expenditure. NATO chief to urge 400-percent rise in alliance's air defence 'We are discussing the final decisions we will take in The Hague. I'm pretty confident indeed… that we will get to a joint position, all 32 (members)', he told reporters heading into the talks in Rome. He praised Trump's efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine by talking directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying 'he broke the deadlock' – even if the discussions are stalled. Russia has fired record numbers of drones and missiles at Ukraine over recent weeks, escalating three years of daily bombardments as it outlines hardline demands – rejected by Kyiv as 'ultimatums' – to halt the war. Rutte noted that Russia had sent a historian to talks in Istanbul, 'explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here. I think that's not helpful, but at least, step by step, we try to make progress'. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the meeting host whose country spends 1.5 percent of GDP on defence, said he was 'very happy' with Rutte's spending plan. 'For Italy it's important to spend more but we need more time, 10 years, I think it is more or less possible to achieve this goal,' he said.
