Posted on 05/21/2022 6:33:01 PM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
WASHINGTON — The top officers of the U.S. and Russian militaries spoke by phone Thursday, less than a week after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the Russian defense minister talked for the first time since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February.
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, held a conversation that the Pentagon declined to further detail beyond acknowledging it had happened.
“The military leaders discussed several security-related issues of concern and agreed to keep the lines of communication open,” the Pentagon said in a statement announcing the call. “In accordance with past practice, the specific details of their conversation will be kept private.”
Though few senior-level U.S. and Russian officials acknowledge having direct contact since the war started, the two countries established a communication line in March to reduce the risk of deadly misunderstandings, according to the Pentagon.
"The United States retains a number of channels to discuss critical security issues with the Russians during a contingency or emergency," a senior U.S. defense official had said.
The call came days after Austin on Friday spoke to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the first time since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to the Pentagon.
“Secretary Austin urged an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication,” chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said at the time.
That call was initiated by the U.S. and occurred after Austin had “consistently” requested one for weeks to no avail, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters at the Pentagon last week.
“What motivated them to change their mind and to be open to it, I don't think we know for sure,” the official said.
The Pentagon did not disclose whether Milley reiterated Austin’s call for a cease-fire or which country initiated the Milley-Gerasimov conversation Thursday.
The most intriguing thing about this is the fact that General Milley apparently talked with General Gerasimov...which is odd, given how breathlessly the Daily Mail reported Kyiv's claims that Gerasimov was suspended as of last week.
Did Milley reassure Russia that he would report if the US moved to fire off its nukes?
Milley da vanilley sure likes to chat with our potential enemies.
Just girl chat?
Austin sure wouldn’t be calling for a ceasefire if the Ruskies were getting their butts whipped.
Did the pussy surender yet?
.
Milley is a totally political animal and spends his efforts on the Political side.
He’s good friends with Lindsey Graham, too.
Domestic Policy is where he spends his time.
I wonder if Plugs knows about this call.
Wasn’t Gerasimov killed in Harkov? They need to be more consistent in their propaganda.
It was a seance.
;-)
I wonder if Plugs can remember if he new about the call.
They “Spoke by phone” after Millie called Russia and Austin called Russia. Soundlike Russia is winning.
I feel so much better knowing this fat donut is handling things.
Did he give himself another medal?
Travis, do you have the link for the article from where this picture is taken? If so, would you please post it for me? Thank you so very much.
I know Miley is not in the picture -I’m asking about just the woman in the picture. I know it was some “White privilege” indoctrination at some corporation; that’s all I know.
I'm sure he reassured them in some fashion.
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