A Mysterious Plot Prompts a Rare Call from Russia to The Pentagon

In a rare communication, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov contacted U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on July 12, 2024, to warn about an alleged covert Ukrainian operation that Russia believed had U.S. support. This marked only the sixth conversation between the two since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. U.S. officials were surprised by the claim and stated they were unaware of any such plot. Following the call, the U.S. reached out to Ukrainian officials to caution against any potential actions that could escalate tensions. The conversation highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Ukrainian military operations against Russian targets often occur without full transparency to American officials. These operations have included significant strikes that have raised concerns among U.S. officials about their impact on the broader conflict and relations with European allies. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the call but did not mention the alleged Ukrainian plot. Instead, it focused on discussing security threats and the risk of escalation due to U.S. military support for Ukraine. In response to rising tensions, the U.S. raised the security alert level at military bases in Europe, although no specific threats had been identified. The call underscores the ongoing need for dialogue between the U.S. and Russia to manage risks amid the conflict, as both sides navigate the delicate balance of military operations and diplomatic communications.