In an unprecedented call, Russia’s defense chief warned the top US general about a significant military exercise in the eastern Mediterranean, illustrating heightened tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On November 27, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, initiated a call with General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking the first conversation between the two since Brown assumed his position. This communication unfolded against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the US and Russia, primarily due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During the call, Gerasimov did not explicitly discuss the missile launches, though the Russian Ministry of Defense had announced the initiation of an extensive exercise in the eastern Mediterranean. This exercise, involving the launch of hypersonic and cruise missiles, was executed by Russian frigates ‘Admiral of the Soviet Union Fleet Gorshkov’ and ‘Admiral Golovko’, alongside the submarine ‘Novorossiysk’, which targeted a naval mark with Kalibr cruise missiles.
The exercise featured substantial Russian military resources, deploying over a thousand troops, ten ships, and two dozen aircraft, including MiG-31 fighter jets armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Despite the scale, Gerasimov chose not to mention these specifics in his discussion with General Brown.
Although details of the conversation remain sparse, a spokesperson for Gen. Brown confirmed the interaction, stating the leaders talked about several global and regional security matters, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. At Gerasimov’s request, Gen. Brown agreed not to publicize this call actively.
Concerningly, the US official mentioned discussions on North Korea’s troop involvement and Russia’s use of advanced ballistic missiles in late November. Also on the agenda was the US granting Ukraine the use of long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia.
The US maintains communication channels, known as deconfliction lines, with Russia in certain operational zones to prevent unintended military encounters. These have been increasingly necessary in regions where both powers have forces stationed, like Syria. However, direct communication has been sparse since the Ukrainian conflict began nearly three years ago, despite US efforts to engage.
The dialogue between Gerasimov and the former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, General Mark Milley, was similarly infrequent, the last notable instance being in March 2023, following an incident involving a Russian jet and a US drone over the Black Sea.
The rare discussion between Russian and US military leaders underscores the delicate and tense state of geopolitical affairs, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings and mishaps in volatile regions.
Source: CNN
