US Defense Secretary Has First Call With New Russian Counterpart

0:00

/1861

Facts

The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday had his first call with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov, appointed to his post in May.¹
According to a Pentagon readout of the call, Austin 'emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.'²
'Belousov pointed to the danger of further escalation of the situation in connection with the ongoing supply of US weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine,' the Russian statement said.¹
Meanwhile, Belousov's long-time predecessor Sergei Shoigu had an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday. Shoigu, alongside Valery Gerasimov, Russia's chief of general staff, were both accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.³
Elsewhere — after reports suggested that forces had faired badly under his control — Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Lt. General Yuri Sodol, commander of the Joint Forces of Ukraine, on Tuesday. He was replaced by Brigadier-General Andriy Hnatov, Zelenskyy said.⁴

Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by U.S. Department of Defense. As Russia continues its illegal invasion of Ukraine, the US defense secretary made this call to ensure that lines of communication stay open to avoid a miscalculation on either side that could lead to devastating consequences.
Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by TASS. During the call with the American defense secretary, Belousov stressed that the continued supply of weaponry to Ukraine is leading to a dangerous escalation. Last week's attack on Crimea with US weapons — killing four and injuring more than 150 — was given as an example of this.