Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed lowering the risk of "possible escalation" in a telephone call, the Russian Defense Ministry said on July 12. The call, which was initiated by Moscow, came after Washington announced plans to deploy long-range missiles in Germany, a decision the Kremlin warned could spell a return to Cold War-style confrontation. "The issue of preventing security threats and reducing the risk of possible escalation was discussed," Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed that the call took place and was initiated by Moscow but provided no further information. The White House announced on July 10 that it would station long-range weapons in Germany as a deterrent.
Russian, U.S. Defense Chiefs Discussed Lowering Escalation In Call, Moscow Says
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) and Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov (combo photo)