First contact between Austin and Shoigu since February

Yesterday (Friday), the Russian and US foreign ministers had their first phone call since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February. A statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry said that Minister Sergei Shoigu received a phone call from his US counterpart Lloyd Austin, during which “the urgent issues related to international security, including the situation in Ukraine, were discussed.”

A discrepancy emerged between the statements of the Russian and American sides about the content of the call. In exchange for Moscow’s assertion that the two sides “exchanged views,” US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said that Austin urged the Russian side to “immediately cease fire in Ukraine,” and stressed “the importance of keeping the lines of communication open” between Moscow and Washington. .

Emphasizing continued Western support for Ukraine, France assured Kiev of support for the G7 “until victory” on the occasion of the meeting of foreign ministers of the group’s member states in northern Germany. The United Kingdom called for “more weapons” to be given to Ukraine and to strengthen sanctions against Russia.

London said it had targeted the financial network of Russian President Vladimir Putin, including his ex-wife and his relatives. “We are uncovering and targeting the suspicious network that supports Putin’s extravagant lifestyle and stifles his inner circle,” Secretary of State Liz Truss said.

In a related context, Russia is heading to suspend the supply of electricity to Finland at the end of this week, according to what the supply company announced, while the Finnish Electric Company has played down the impact of the measure, which coincides with the escalation of tension over Helsinki’s bid to join NATO.
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