A concise briefing summarizes a phone conversation between representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the United States Department of Defense. The account highlights discussions on international security, with particular focus on the situation in Ukraine, noting that the dialogue took place at the invitation of the United States side.
From Washington, a brief Pentagon statement reflected a measured tone. The briefing notes that on May 13 the defense ministers, Lloyd J. Austin III for the United States and Sergei Shoigu for Russia, spoke for roughly one hour. The Pentagon spokesperson called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of keeping open channels for communication between the two capitals.
The exchange between Shoigu and Austin was described as professional in tenor, but the report indicated that no specific issues were resolved during the meeting and that it was unlikely to alter Russia’s approach in Ukraine.
How did the United States attempt to reach Shoigu?
Since the onset of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, the Pentagon has repeatedly sought contact with Russian officials, though initial efforts faced delays. The first public comment emerged about a month earlier, on March 24.
Over the ensuing weeks, Austin and other senior military leaders pressed to establish calls with their Russian counterparts. Shoigu and Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov did not respond. The Pentagon stressed that direct, high-level communication remains essential and that ongoing attempts would persist.
In early April, during Senate hearings, the U.S. Secretary of Defense expressed disappointment at the response from the Russian defense leadership. He noted that since mid-February the Pentagon had regularly pursued contact with Russian counterparts, often reaching out to Shoigu and Gerasimov, though there was little reciprocation. The secretary added that while frustration existed, it would not deter sustained efforts to communicate with Moscow and to keep a management-level channel open for diplomacy.
To prevent miscalculations and potential escalation, the Pentagon established a direct line with Russian officials in early March. The channel was described as a tactical mechanism with limited use, designed to avoid broad grievances and reduce the risk of accidental incidents that could worsen a crisis.
Other communications between the United States and Russia during the military operation
On March 16, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia’s Security Council. The Russian side indicated that the call was initiated by the United States.
Sullivan reaffirmed Washington’s firm opposition to the invasion and urged Moscow to halt attacks on Ukrainian cities if diplomacy is to advance. He also warned about potential consequences if Russia considers using chemical or biological weapons in the conflict.
A representative of the Security Council conveyed Moscow’s view that Kyiv’s diplomacy faced interference from external directions. Patrushev urged Washington to influence Kyiv toward rapid progress through dialogue and negotiations. He also advised that the United States should discontinue support for groups described as neo-Nazis and terrorists in Ukraine and refrain from supplying arms to Kyiv, warning that such steps could raise tensions further.
The U.S. State Department summoned the American ambassador to Russia in March after President Biden referred to President Putin as a war criminal in a public statement. This action reflected the ongoing attempt to manage communications and avert misunderstandings during a volatile period.