**Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Condemns Greetings from US on Russia Day**
The Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, has publicly criticized countries that sent congratulatory messages to Russia on its national holiday, Russia Day. This came after the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, extended greetings to Russia.
Sybiha made his comments during a meeting in Rome with foreign ministers from other countries. He was visibly upset by what he called “inappropriate diplomatic gestures” towards an aggressor nation. The Ukrainian minister was clearly frustrated that some countries had chosen to ignore Russia’s actions on the battlefield.
**The Context of Russia Day**
Russia Day is celebrated on June 12th every year and marks a significant event in Russian history – the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990. This declaration paved the way for Russia’s independence from the Soviet Union, which ultimately dissolved in 1991.
However, for Ukraine and its allies, Russia’s actions over the past few years have been far from peaceful. The ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists has led to significant human suffering and destruction of infrastructure.
**Sybiha Speaks Out**
In his comments, Sybiha spoke directly about the US Secretary of State’s greetings to Russia on its national holiday. “This is a reward for aggression,” he said. The implication was clear – that by extending congratulations to Russia, countries like the United States were effectively condoning or even celebrating Russian actions on the battlefield.
Sybiha also described his recent visit to Kherson, a city located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the fighting. He witnessed firsthand the effects of “Russian terror” and saw children attending classes underground due to the conflict.
**Diplomatic Fallout**
The Ukrainian minister’s comments are likely to have significant diplomatic fallout. His public rebuke of countries that sent greetings to Russia on its national holiday is a strong statement about Ukraine’s position on the conflict.
It remains to be seen how other countries will react to Sybiha’s comments and whether they will reevaluate their relationships with Russia in light of his words. One thing, however, is clear – the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, and the diplomatic consequences are far-reaching.
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