Russia's Defense Minister Andrej Belousov and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin have spoken by phone about reducing the risk of a "possible escalation", according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The conversation took place at the initiative of Moscow. Tensions have increased further due to the US plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany. Russia has warned that it could lead to a new cold war.
"The issue of preventing security threats and reducing the risk of a possible escalation was discussed", writes the Russian Defense Ministry.
Russia and the US have managed to maintain sporadic phone conversations despite a frosty relationship due to Russia's war in Ukraine. The parties last spoke by phone in June.
