US Defense Chief Austin speaks with Russian Defense Minister Belousov for first time in 15 months

Europe, News, US June 27, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Russia’s newly appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, marking the first such conversation between the defense leaders in 15 months. The call, initiated by Austin underscores the pressing need for maintaining open lines of communication amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder confirmed the call during a briefing, emphasizing the critical nature of the discussion. “The secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine,” Ryder said.

This conversation between the two defense chiefs comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions following a recent Ukrainian attack on Crimea using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. The attack, which left at least four dead and more than 150 injured, has been a point of severe contention between the two nations.

In response to the attack, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy for a stern reprimand. “Retaliatory measures are certain to follow,” the ministry warned in a post on social media.

Previous communication

The last direct communication between Austin and Russia’s defense leadership occurred on March 15, 2023, when Austin spoke with Sergei Shoigu, then Russia’s defense minister. That conversation revolved around the “unprofessional, dangerous, and reckless behavior by the Russian air force in international airspace over the Black Sea,” as cited by a Pentagon readout. The dialogue was triggered by an incident where a Russian jet collided with an American surveillance drone, forcing it down over international waters.

*^{U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (L) held phone talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. (Image Credits: Right Image – Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS, Left Image – Alex Brandon/AP)}*

The appointment of Andrei Belousov as Russia’s new defense minister in May signaled a significant shift within the Kremlin. An economist by training, Belousov’s rise reflects Russia’s strategic focus on managing its defense industry amidst the protracted war in Ukraine. This recent conversation marked the first direct interaction between Austin and Belousov, adding a new dimension to the already complex U.S.-Russia defense relations.

High-level communication

The U.S. typically treats such high-level communications with extreme sensitivity, reflecting the fraught nature of current geopolitical dynamics. Ryder refrained from providing specific details about the duration or content of the call, or the broader state of U.S.-Russia communications.

The urgency of maintaining dialogue is not lost on the international community. The conflict in Ukraine, particularly Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the subsequent military engagements, has brought NATO and its allies into a complex web of diplomatic and military challenges. The recent missile attack on Crimea underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the potential for broader escalation.

Austin’s decision to initiate the call signals a recognition of the necessity to manage these tensions through direct communication. “The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security,” Austin has reiterated in various forums, highlighting the importance of cohesive international strategies to address the ongoing crisis.

*^{U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown attending the virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. (Image Credit: Twitter/@SecDef)}*

The high-level communication between Moscow and Washington comes at a time when the international community is closely watching NATO’s stance and actions. The alliance, under its new Secretary General Mark Rutte, will have to navigate these turbulent waters with a steady hand. Rutte, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an advocate for Ukraine will likely play a pivotal role in shaping NATO’s response and strategy in the coming years.

The broader implications of Austin’s conversation with Belousov remain to be seen, but it marks a crucial step in maintaining diplomatic channels amid a deeply fractured international landscape.