As Russia Pounds Ukraine With 550 Drones, Missiles, Lavrov Sends July 4 Greetings

By Julia Struck

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a congratulatory telegram to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Independence Day, expressing hope that relations between the two countries “will gain stability and predictability.”

The message, shared by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, conveyed Lavrov’s “sincere congratulations to the American people” and support for their “aspirations for unity and the realization of the traditional American dream.”

“I hope that through joint efforts, relations between our countries will consolidate on a constructive path and gain stability and predictability based on mutual respect and consideration of national interests, as dictated by history, geography, and current realities,” the telegram read.

Lavrov also wished US citizens “a path of peace and shared prosperity” and referenced the US Declaration of Independence’s emphasis on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President Donald Trump during a phone call, claiming that Russia “played an important role in the development of American statehood.”

This congratulation came amid Russia’s launch of one of the most intense aerial assaults of the full-scale war. Moscow fired 550 Shahed drones, decoy UAVs, and missiles into Ukraine, including ballistic weapons.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the predawn hours of July 4 as one of the worst nights Kyiv has endured during the war. He said the capital was hit with a combination of drones and missiles in a “terrible and sleepless night,” stressing the attack followed directly after Putin’s phone call with Trump.

“Putin is clearly showing complete contempt for the US and everyone calling for an end to this war,” Sybiha said. “This must be a wake-up call to the world. Stop waiting for peace. Act to achieve peace – peace through force.”

Sybiha urged the US and its allies to toughen sanctions against Moscow and provide Ukraine with all necessary defense systems.

“Wrong decisions only encourage the aggressor to commit more crimes. If Putin gets away with this, it sends a signal to every other dictator,” he added.

President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed that sentiment, posting on Telegram:

“This was one of the largest air strikes – demonstratively significant and cynical. A total of 550 targets were used, including at least 330 Shahed drones, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles.”

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