In Case You're Wondering Why We're Publicly Cozying Up to Russia Now

Rubio just snuggled up with Russia in a sweet love letter. Here's the explanation.

The Resisters’ Report is paywall and ad-free thanks to the support of readers like you. Please consider supporting this work by becoming a subscriber. 🥰

In the wee hours of June 12, while the rest of us were sleeping, little man Marco was busy firing off what sure reads like a love letter to Russia.

On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day.

The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future. 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. It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries.

https://www.state.gov/releases/2025/06/russia-national-day/

It was posted quietly. No fanfare, no press briefing, just a post. But don’t let the sleepy timing fool you—this was the first official Russia Day greeting from a U.S. Secretary of State since 2022, and it left the rest of us blinking at our screens like, wait—why the hell are we sending valentines to Putin’s regime in 2025?

So here’s your cheat sheet:

Russia Day Letters: A Weird Little Tradition

Back in the before-times, it was standard diplomatic fluff. Secretaries of State would send a short, neutral note saying something like:

"On behalf of the U.S. government and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Russia as you celebrate Russia Day."

That one’s from Pompeo in 2021. Straightforward. Dry. Basically the foreign policy equivalent of a Hallmark card signed “Best wishes, America.”

Then came 2022, when Russia Day followed the Ukraine invasion, and Secretary Antony Blinken decided to spice things up. Here’s what he said that year:

“On Russia Day, we recognize the Russian people – not the Russian government – and their aspirations for a more just, democratic, and peaceful future.
We honor the courageous human rights defenders, journalists, and anti-corruption activists who have stood up to the repression and war launched by the Kremlin.”

Not so bland this time around. More like a smackdown. A diplomatic mic drop. A Russia Day roast. And it landed exactly as intended.

Then Came Silence

The Biden administration didn’t bother with letters in 2023 or 2024. There’s no official statement on why, but it’s not hard to guess. Maybe they figured one well-aimed punch was enough. Maybe they didn't want to dilute the message by repeating it annually like some passive-aggressive Groundhog Day. Or maybe they just didn't think Russia deserved a damn thing.

Flash Forward to Today

Enter Marco Rubio. Secretary of State in Trump’s second term. Still short. Now suddenly sending a sugary love letter to Russia “celebrating the strength of the Russian people” and talking about how we should all work together for peace and prosperity.

No mention of the war in Ukraine. No mention of political prisoners. No mention of, oh I don’t know, the fact that Russia helped dismantle our last election with state-sponsored propaganda. Just vibes.

So what gives?

If Biden could get political with a letter, Team Trump figures they can too. Except where Biden used the message to call out authoritarianism, Trump and Rubio are using it to wink at it.

Because, of course. 🙄

So if you see that letter floating around today and see people asking what the hell? —now you know. Feel free to share this post in response.
Welcome to a normal Thursday in the Trump administration.

Keep resisting y’all,

Rosie

Make a one-time donation

☕I will happily let you support my work by buying me a $3 coffee or making a Venmo donation.☕

Thanks for reading The Resisters' Report! Subscribe to receive new posts and support my work.

💪 Did this resonate with you?

I’m a journalist and novelist whose career was upended by long COVID—years of neurological and physical damage that still keep me in recovery mode most days and prompted an urgent move to lower elevation. But the state of this country lit a fire I couldn’t ignore. So I write when I can, from the margins of exhaustion, because staying silent isn't an option.

If you've found strength or clarity in my work, and you're in a position to help, I’m asking for your support. I’m not a fan of paywalls, especially at a precarious economic time when so many of us are financially strapped. I don’t want anyone denied access to anything due to finances. So I’m determined to keep my work free to all.

A one-time donation, however, can help cover relocation expenses, medical care, and the continued reporting I do through the Resisters’ Report. Every dollar helps keep this voice—my voice—alive and writing. Even just a $3 coffee.

👉 Donate with Venmo or Buy Me a Coffee
Let’s fight disinformation, denial, and disease—together.

If you’d rather not receive weekly Rosie’s Journey reports in your inbox, go here to opt out.