North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a Russia Day telegram to President Vladimir Putin, hailing him as his 'dearest friend and comrade' and promising an 'unshakable will' to deepen what he called an 'indestructible, genuine' partnership. Pyongyang’s state media said North Korea would 'always stand with Russia' in defense of the country’s sovereignty. Putin received additional Russia Day greetings from the presidents of Azerbaijan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as from cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station. Russian outlets reported that the U.S. Secretary of State issued Washington’s first official congratulations since 2022, while Senator Marco Rubio publicly extended his own wishes. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov welcomed the U.S. message as a positive sign. Kyiv condemned the overtures. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said it was 'especially unpleasant' to see Western countries congratulate Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed his criticism, underscoring Moscow’s view that the international messages, particularly Kim’s letter and the renewed U.S. greeting, reflect growing acknowledgment of Russia Day.