The communication channel had been suspended in the fall of 2021, shortly before the outbreak of the conflict, and its reestablishment follows meetings in the United Arab Emirates’ capital involving Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of EUCOM, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials. EUCOM said maintaining dialogue between militaries supports global stability and peace by promoting transparency and reducing the risk of escalation.
The renewed channel is intended to provide consistent military-to-military contact as efforts continue toward a lasting peace. EUCOM noted that Grynkewich also has existing authority in his role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe to maintain dialogue with Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to avoid miscalculation and unintended escalation, and that he looks forward to initiating the talks.
Source: U.S. European Command (EUCOM).
