After months of refusing direct contact with his American counterpart, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday. Officials said the call did not appear to signal a shift in Moscow’s Ukraine war strategy.
While Mr. Austin believes the hour-long conversation was important in keeping lines of communication open, a senior Defense Department official said Friday that it didn’t resolve any “acute issues” or result in any change in what the Russians are doing or saying as the war enters week 12.
Mr. Austin’s call was the highest level of American contact with a Russian official since the war began in late February. Russian leaders have repeatedly refused to take calls from Mr. Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to Pentagon officials.
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This is Mr. Austin’s first conversation with Mr. Shoigu since February 18, a week before the war began. Mr. Milley is also expected to communicate with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, according to a senior official on Friday.
Mr. Austin “urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasised the importance of maintaining lines of communication,” according to a Pentagon statement..
Several officials praised the call as a positive step forward, but said there was no clear reason why the Russians chose Friday to hold the conversation. The US hopes it will serve as a springboard for future discussions, according to the defence official, and it appears that Mr. Austin’s request for future communication was received. The official described the tone of the call as “professional,” but gave no other details about what was said.
Direct communication between the US and Russian defence and military leaders is essential to avoid misunderstandings and unwarranted escalation of hostilities. The US and Russia have also established a “deconfliction line” that the militaries can use in the event of an emergency or perceived threat to NATO allies in Ukraine. Although it has not been used, US officials claim that Russians have answered the phone during tests to ensure that it is functional.
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Russia’s fight in Ukraine, particularly the effort to wrest greater control over the eastern Donbas region, has been described as being more than two weeks behind schedule and failing to make consistent progress by US and other Western officials.
On Friday, Russian forces suffered heavy losses in a Ukrainian attack that destroyed a pontoon bridge they were using to try to cross a river in the east, according to Ukrainian, British, and US officials.
Ukraine’s airborne command released photos and video of a damaged Russian pontoon bridge and several destroyed or damaged Russian military vehicles near the Siversky Donets River. According to the command, the troops “drowned the Russian occupiers.”
The battle for the Donbass has turned into a daily grind as towns and villages change hands since Russia’s failed attempt to take Kyiv.
Lana Condor and Anthony De La Torre married in a picturesque hillside setting in Malibu, California, in October 2024. The couple shared their intimate wedding video, which captured their smiles and heartfelt tears. The video featured drone shots of picturesque hills and the wedding venue.
As well as close-ups of Lana in her wedding gown and emotional moments. The couple also included an after-party celebration where the couple cut the cake and guests danced the night away. Lana Condor is known for her role in.
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, while Anthony De La Torre is an actor and musician. The couple first met in 2015 and got engaged in 2022. The couple has also starred in Boo, Bitch, X-Men Apocalypse, and Deadly Class.
Lana Condor, renowned for her portrayal of Lara Jean Covey in the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” film series, recently shared a heartfelt wedding video that has captivated fans worldwide. The video, reminiscent of a romantic comedy, offers an intimate glimpse into her wedding day with actor and musician Anthony De La Torre.
A Dreamy Malibu Wedding
In late October 2024, Lana and Anthony exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, California. The venue, nestled atop the Malibu mountains, provided a serene backdrop for the couple’s special day. Lana chose the location because she had visited it with her late mother during her childhood, making it a place of profound personal significance.
Lana’s wedding video captures the essence of their love story, blending candid moments with cinematic elegance. The footage showcases the couple’s first look, heartfelt vows, and the joyous celebration that followed. The video has been lauded for its authenticity and the palpable chemistry between Lana and Anthony, evoking the charm of a classic romantic film.
A Nod to ‘To All the Boys’
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The wedding video has drawn parallels to the “To All the Boys” series, where Lana’s character navigates the complexities of young love. Fans have noted the similarities between the fictional romance and the real-life love story, highlighting the serendipitous nature of Lana’s journey from on-screen romance to real-life happiness.
Lana and Anthony’s Journey
Lana and Anthony’s relationship began in 2015 after meeting at an Emmy Awards party. They announced their engagement in January 2022 and have since been a beloved couple in the entertainment industry. Their wedding marks a new chapter in their shared journey, celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Celebrating Love and Life
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Lana’s wedding video serves as a testament to love’s enduring power and the beauty of shared moments. It resonates with many, offering a glimpse into the joy and commitment that define a lasting partnership.
For a visual experience of Lana and Anthony’s wedding, you can watch the following video:
Lana Condor, celebrated for her role as Lara Jean Covey in “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” recently shared a wedding video that feels straight out of a romantic comedy. In late October 2024, she married actor and musician Anthony De La Torre in an intimate ceremony at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, California.
The video captures the couple’s heartfelt vows, candid moments, and the joyous celebration that followed. Lana wore a stunning Vera Wang gown, a choice she had made two years earlier with her late mother. people.com The ceremony was described as timeless and airy, set atop the Malibu mountains
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