The ongoing conflict in Ukraine was the central topic of a phone call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart, Andrei Belousov, on Tuesday. The conversation, initiated by the American side, saw the two ministers exchange views on the situation in Ukraine.
Moscow expressed its concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict due to the ongoing supply of US weapons to Ukrainian forces. Russian Minister of Defense Belousov highlighted this danger during the call, stating that the situation could worsen as the US continues to arm Ukraine.
While the Russian Ministry of Defense statement only mentioned the “danger of further escalation,” the Pentagon’s account of the call elaborated further. The statement reported that Secretary Austin “emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.” This call marked the first time Austin and Belousov, who was appointed to his post in May, spoke.
The call comes amidst escalating tensions between Russia and the United States over the conflict in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly condemned US military support for Ukraine, and Washington recently authorized the use of long-range US weapons by Kyiv to target parts of Russia near the embattled city of Kharkiv.
The Kremlin issued a warning of “consequences” to the United States on Monday after a Ukrainian strike using a US missile on Crimea resulted in the death of four people. This incident further intensified the situation, underscoring the delicate nature of the ongoing war and the potential for further escalation.
