Moscow:

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin held a phone name the place they mentioned reducing the danger of “doable escalation”, the Russian defence ministry mentioned on Friday.

The decision, which was initiated by Moscow, comes as tensions between the 2 sides flare over Washington’s plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, a choice the Kremlin warned might spell a return to Chilly Conflict-style confrontation.

“The problem of stopping safety threats and lowering the danger of doable escalation was mentioned,” Russia’s defence ministry mentioned in an announcement on the talks.

In keeping with Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, Austin “emphasised the significance of sustaining traces of communication” through the dialog.

The 2 sides have managed to organise sporadic cellphone calls regardless of raging tensions over the battle in Ukraine, together with a latest name on the finish of June the place Moscow chided Washington’s arms provides to Kyiv.

The White Home introduced on Wednesday throughout a NATO summit that it might station long-range weapons together with Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany as a deterrent.

The Kremlin criticised the transfer, accusing Washington of taking a step in direction of a brand new “Chilly Conflict” and of immediately collaborating within the battle in Ukraine.

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