US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pointed out that direct contacts with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu should be continued. It was reported that the statement was published by the Pentagon press service. TASS.
On Thursday, November 16, the head of the military department gave a briefing to journalists. During the event, reporters asked him a question about the possibility of resuming military contacts between Washington and Beijing.
Austin also emphasized that he thought it was important for American leadership to have the opportunity to “talk to their friends and their enemies.” He said the United States should keep such communication channels open.
“Even in the midst of what is happening with Russia and Ukraine, I had the opportunity to pick up the phone and talk to the Russian Minister of Defense. And I believe this is a great opportunity,” the Pentagon chief emphasized.
He added that contacts maintained between the United States and the Russian Federation through the military could help the countries overcome various geopolitical crises in the future. In this context, Austin pointed out that similar ties between Washington and Moscow should be maintained.
On November 12, Lloyd Austin had telephone conversations with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Heads of military departments during the meeting was traded Views on recent events in the war zone.
Additionally, the parties discussed the organization of the upcoming meeting of the contact group on the situation in Ukraine, according to the Pentagon press service. In particular, Austin and Umerov confirmed their intention to hold this event before the end of November.
Previously French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu saidHe described how his negotiations with Sergei Shoigu helped the two countries avoid escalation of tensions during difficult moments in history.