Russia’s defense minister and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held their first calls since May on Friday in a sign Moscow and Washington have restored lines of communication as Vladimir Putin ups his attacks on civilians.
But Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned there was no signs that Moscow is prepared to end the war in Ukraine as pro-Kremlin officials said they were turning Ukraine’s southern city of Kherson into a ‘fortress’ in the face of Kyiv’s advance.
Few details emerged of the conversation between Russia’s Sergei Shoigu and Austin but both sides confirmed they had discussed Ukraine.
Fears Putin could turn to tactical nuclear weapons have been rising since the annexation of four regions in Ukraine and Washington has said Iranians are on the ground helping Russian forces and still selling Moscow drones.
‘Topical issues of international security – including the situation in Ukraine – were discussed,’ said Russia’s defense ministry.
‘Secretary Austin emphasized the…
