Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of congratulations to U.S. President Donald Trump on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

In the letter, Putin called the emergence of the American state through the signing of the Declaration of Independence "an important milestone in world history."

"Today, Russia and the United States, as the two largest nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for ensuring security and stability on a global scale," Putin said. "I am confident that the establishment of constructive, equal and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington meets the interests not only of our peoples, but also of the entire world community."

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

The iconic Times Square ball in New York City will descend on a date other than New Year's Eve for the first time as part of a historic Independence Day celebration marking America's 250th birthday.
The celebration will feature eight ball drops marking midnight across every U.S. time zone and inhabited territory, beginning in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and ending in American Samoa, according to an announcement by the organizer, America250.
The organizer said the rolling countdown is designed to unite Americans across the country during the nation's semiquincentennial celebration.
The eight ball drops are part of the inaugural Giving 4th Broadcast Benefit Show, a live special from One Times Square in New York City.

The event also launches Giving 4th, a nationwide initiative encouraging Americans to support charitable organizations and volunteer in their communities in honor of the country's 250th birthday.
The celebration begins with the first Times Square ball drop at 10 a.m. ET on July 3, marking midnight in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The traditional 11:59 p.m. ET countdown to the ball drop at midnight in New York will serve as the centerpiece of the nationwide celebration before the countdown continues through the remaining U.S. time zones and territories.
The final ball drop is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET on July 4, marking midnight in American Samoa.
-ABC News' Shafiq Najib

"World News Tonight" anchor David Muir kicked off ABC News' celebration of America's 250th birthday by climbing up through Lady Liberty's right arm to reach the torch, standing over 300 feet in the air.

Read more and see photos.

From the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, here's a look at preparations and festivities for the United States' 250th birthday.