Russian and US armies to resume dialogue after four years

The US military announced that Washington and Moscow agreed on Thursday to resume high-level dialogue between their armed forces following talks in Abu Dhabi, which took place more than four years after contacts were suspended.

"This communication channel was suspended in the fall of 2021, just before the outbreak of the conflict," the US European Command said in a statement regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

According to the US, the goal of resuming dialogue is to prevent miscalculations and reduce the risk of unintended escalation on both sides. The US military emphasized that maintaining contacts between the two armies is an important element of global stability and peace, as it allows for greater transparency and creates space for de-escalating tensions.

The agreement came after talks in Abu Dhabi between the commander of US European Command, General Alexus S. Grynkewich, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials.

Even during the period when official high-level military talks were suspended, Washington and Moscow maintained an emergency communication line designed to resolve crisis situations. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken directly by telephone several times in the past.

(reuters, max)