US minister calls for ceasefire
Austin and Shoigu talk for the first time since the beginning of the war
05/13/2022, 8:31 p.m
US Secretary of Defense Austin and his Russian counterpart, Shoigu, have spoken face-to-face for the first time since Russia attacked Ukraine. Austin emphasizes the importance of staying in touch. At the same time he makes demands.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the first time since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, calling for an “immediate ceasefire”. Austin and Shoigu last spoke on February 18 – just under a week before the start of the Russian invasion of the neighboring country. Austin stressed the importance of maintaining communications, the US Department of Defense said.
Shoigu’s ministry announced in Moscow that Austin had taken the initiative. Current international security issues were discussed. The phone call was also regarding the situation in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not give any details. The Russian power apparatus recently complained that there was no longer any contact between Moscow and Washington. Russia had accused the United States of further fueling the conflict in Ukraine with arms deliveries.
The Russian leadership had repeatedly spoken of a highly dangerous situation. Russia compares US military engagement in Ukraine to a proxy war. Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin accused the United States of wanting to fight to the last Ukrainian soldier.
The US is supporting Ukraine with large arms deliveries. At the same time, under no circumstances does the government in Washington want to intervene directly in the conflict and become a party to the war.