Russia points out risk of escalation as US continues to provide weapons aid to Ukraine
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, in a phone call with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin, pointed out the risk of further escalation of tensions in Ukraine.
According to RIA Novosti on June 26, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin had a phone call and exchanged views on the situation surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. The phone call took place at the request of the US side.
“On June 25, 2024, at the request of the US side, a telephone conversation took place between Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin,” the Russian Defense Ministry announced.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that Minister Belousov pointed out the risk of further escalation of tensions related to the continued US supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On the US side, US Department of Defense spokesman Patrick Ryder said that Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining communication lines with Russia, in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Mr. Ryder, the last time the two countries' defense ministers contacted each other was March 15, 2023.
Regarding the possibility of sending US troops to Ukraine, Secretary Austin emphasized that the US has no plans to do this “either now or in the future.”
The Pentagon spokesman also said that Washington has not made a decision to transfer soldiers or military contractors to the post-Soviet republic.
The White House is working to lift the de facto ban on military contractors stationed in Ukraine, officials told CNN on June 25. They said President Joe Biden has not made the decision yet, but if approved, it could be implemented as early as this year. Sources hope that contractors will help speed up the repair and maintenance of equipment used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
