On July 12, 2024, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a crucial phone conversation, initiated by Moscow, to discuss the prevention of security threats and reducing the risk of escalation. The call came in the wake of Washington’s announcement to deploy long-range missiles in Germany starting from 2026, a move that the Kremlin warned could lead to a return to Cold War-style confrontation.According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the conversation focused on maintaining open communication channels between the two nations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent NATO summit decisions. The Pentagon confirmed the call, with spokesperson Sabrina Singh emphasizing the importance of keeping lines of communication open.The planned US deployment in Germany includes Tomahawk missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, SM-6 air defense missiles, and new hypersonic weapons. Russia and China have reacted strongly to this announcement, viewing it as a potential escalation of tensions.This marks the second conversation between Belousov and Austin in recent weeks, following a previous call on June 25. The frequency of these high-level communications underscores the delicate balance of international relations amid ongoing global tensions.In a related development, Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh made a statement regarding the potential use of ATACMS operational-tactical missiles by Ukraine for deep strikes within Russia. While currently not sanctioned, Singh suggested that this policy could change in the future, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
Key points
- Russian and US defense ministers held a phone call to discuss reducing the risk of escalation.
- The call was prompted by US plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany from 2026.
- Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels amid ongoing tensions.
- The US deployment plans include Tomahawk missiles, SM-6 air defense missiles, and hypersonic weapons.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the spelling of the Russian Defense Minister’s name across sources, appearing as Belousov, Belyakov, and Belyanov.
👾Some sources mention the deployment of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as a potential discussion point, while others focus solely on the missile deployment in Germany.
