US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held their first phone conversation since Belousov’s appointment, marking a significant moment in US-Russia relations amid the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Initiated by the US, the call on June 25 addressed the dangers of further escalation, particularly concerning the continued US arms supplies to Ukraine. Both parties acknowledged the importance of maintaining open communication channels to prevent further deterioration of the situation.The discussions come at a tense time, with Russia recently warning of ‘consequences’ after a Ukrainian strike in Crimea using US-supplied weapons resulted in casualties. Despite the strain, a notable development occurred as Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange, with 90 individuals from each side being released. Additionally, the European Union has commenced negotiations with Ukraine regarding its bid for membership, a move that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed, committing to fulfill the necessary requirements.These events underscore the complex dynamics at play in the Ukrainian crisis, where diplomatic efforts coexist with military confrontations and geopolitical maneuvers.
Key points
- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov discussed the Ukrainian conflict and escalation risks in their first call since Belousov’s May appointment.
- The US initiated the conversation, emphasizing the importance of open communication channels.
- Ukraine and Russia exchanged 180 prisoners, with 90 individuals from each side being released.
- The European Union has begun membership negotiations with Ukraine.
