Rubio Congratulates Ukraine at 35, Pledges Continued US Security and Economic Ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Ukrainians on the 35th anniversary of their country’s independence on Monday, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and closer security and economic ties. “On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Ukraine on the 35th anniversary of your independence,” Rubio said in a statement released by the US State Department on Aug. 24.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991, a decision overwhelmingly endorsed in a nationwide referendum later that year. Rubio said that 35 years later, Washington was reaffirming the “enduring cooperation” between the two countries. “The United States is committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and continues to work to support a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war that establishes a lasting and durable peace,” he said. The secretary of state also praised Ukrainians’ courage and resilience as the country marks another Independence Day amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. “On this Independence Day, as Ukrainians honor their nation’s history and celebrate their courage, innovation, and resilience, the United States reinforces its strong commitment to advancing our economic and security ties and forging a path towards peace and prosperity for both of our nations,” Rubio said. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Meets With Coalition of the Willing Leaders, Says Ukraine Faces $27B Defense Budget Shortfall Three to four ships enter and leave Odesa daily despite Russian attacks, Zelensky said. Rubio’s message came as European leaders gathered in Kyiv on Monday to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day and reaffirm military and political support amid intensified Russian attacks. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.