Since February 2022, the beginning of a full-sized Russian invasion of Ukraine, Austin has spoken to Russian defence ministers 5 times, mainly on the initiative of the US. In July, the fresh head of the Defence Ministry in Moscow [Andrei Bielousov](https://defence24.pl/power-arms/bielousow-za-szojgu-putin-want-effective-military-politics-imperialism-interview), who replaced Sergei Szojgu in May, contacted the Pentagon about Kiev's alleged operation. This project, undertaken by Ukraine and aimed at Russia, could further worsen American-Russian relations - he announced on Friday "NYT".
