The head of the Pentagon told Reznikov the details of his conversation with Shoigu/Channel 24 Collage
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin spoke with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. The main topic was the situation at the front.
In addition, the head of the US Department of Defense spoke about his interaction with Sergei Shoigu. He spoke with the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense on May 13.
Shoigu did not go to a meeting
Austin noted that he appealed to Shoigu with a call to immediately stop war. Also, the American then noted the importance of maintaining “lines of communication”.
However, as the following days showed, the Russian security official did not heed at least half of these calls. At least, the Pentagon did not report anything about the preservation of communication lines.
The United States will continue to support Ukraine
As for communication with the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, the situation is much better. Austin emphasized that the United States will continue to support us in the fight for freedom.
Secretary Austin reaffirmed U.S. unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and security assistance efforts to strengthen Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression , the Pentagon said in a statement.
In addition, they added that the heads of ministries would continue to maintain close contact.
Why Austin called Shoigu by phone
Political scientist Igor Chalenko explained on Channel 24 that this call could indeed be necessary. In his opinion, the United States in this way could once again remind Russia of the deplorable state of its troops.
Also, the head of the Pentagon could also say to Shoigu that in no case military assistance to Ukraine would be reduced. They say that the American side took such a step so that Russia would understand that the sooner they start looking for ways out of the war, the better for them.
I think that the corresponding contact was effective , the Russians needed to hear this information. Further, they should be determined whether they will continue to behave like in a “madhouse”, or will look for light at the end of the tunnel, – Chalenko explained.
Also, according to the expert, there could be topics not related to Ukraine. In particular, the tension around Moldova and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO.
