Geheimes Gespräch zwischen US- und Russischem Verteidigungsminister führt zu Spannungen in der Ukraine

US Defense Secretary Discusses with Russian Counterpart Following Threats from Moscow

In light of recent threats from Moscow regarding ongoing military operations in Ukraine, the US Defense Secretary engaged in a conversation with his Russian counterpart late at night. The importance of maintaining open lines of communication in the context of the escalating situation was underscored during the talks, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder. Although details of their phone call remain scarce, Defense Secretary Austin initiated the discussion. The previous contact between the two officials occurred on March 15, 2023, when Sergei Shoigu was still serving as the Russian Defense Minister. Tensions between the two countries were further heightened following a Ukrainian missile attack clash in Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula the day before.

Within the same time frame, the German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of the SPD, is considering expanding a framework agreement for artillery ammunition to amount to 15 billion euros. Sources from Reuters have reported that the Ministry of Finance has proposed such an extension to the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee. The current contract value for 155-millimeter ammunition for the Panzer howitzer 2000 is slated to increase by approximately two million pieces, reaching around 2.35 million units. Initial reports on a draft agreement between Diehl Defense and Nammo Raufoss for the framework contract have been disclosed.

Moreover, a prisoner from Nepal, who is one of the captured soldiers of various origins currently in captivity, expressed regret over his decision to enlist in the Russian armed forces due to financial difficulties. Reportedly, he was indebted in Nepal with an amount ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 dollars at the time. Despite being promised a three-month training program in Moscow, it did not materialize. He was apprehended during his first mission and now experiences feelings of remorse, stating, „I deeply lament it. I deeply lament it.“ He claimed that several hundred Nepalese soldiers had served in his unit.

Meanwhile, Russia has imposed a ban on access to over 80 media outlets from 25 EU countries, citing concerns over the dissemination of skeptical information about Russia’s actions. Among the affected organizations are the „Spiegel“ news magazine, Spanish newspapers „El Mundo“ and „El País,“ numerous French and Italian media outlets, as well as the AFP news agency.

Furthermore, both Russia and Ukraine conducted a mutual exchange of 90 prisoners through the mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exchange involved returning 90 captured Russian military personnel, who allegedly faced life-threatening captivity, and transferring 90 Ukrainian soldiers back to Ukraine. According to a report by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the exchange operation took place under the mediation of the UAE, which also assisted in rescuing Ukrainian children from Russia.