High-Stakes Military Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions

Air Force General C.Q. Brown made a significant phone call with Russia's Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, focusing on global security issues, including Ukraine's conflict. The conversation marks Brown's first dialogue with Gerasimov during heightened tensions following missile strikes by both nations.

In a move signaling behind-the-scenes diplomacy, U.S. Air Force General C.Q. Brown held a rare phone conversation with Russia's Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov. This discussion, which occurred last week, marks the first time Brown has spoken to his Russian counterpart, reflecting the ongoing strategic communications between the two military powers.

The call, which took place on November 27, was not publicly announced at the request of General Gerasimov, signaling a sensitive diplomatic maneuver. The Russian Ministry of Defense initiated the call, highlighting the ongoing communication channels during a period of heightening global tensions. The talks focused on key security concerns, particularly the conflict in Ukraine.

The diplomatic interaction came amid escalating actions, including Ukraine's use of U.S. and British missiles on Russian targets, a move perceived by Moscow as a significant escalation. Russia responded with a demonstration of its military capabilities by striking a Ukrainian facility with a new hypersonic ballistic missile, further intensifying the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)