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U.S., Russian Defence chiefs speak for first time since invasion of Ukraine

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U.S., Russian Defence chiefs speak for first time since invasion of Ukraine

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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Hollywood

Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

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Review of the spy thriller “Heart of Stone”: Alia Bhatt shines.

In a realm where intrigue and suspense collide, Bollywood’s beloved star Alia Bhatt has once again proven her mettle in the enthralling spy thriller “Heart of Stone.” Directed by the visionary Raj Mehta, this cinematic marvel takes audiences on a roller-coaster ride through espionage, deception, and unrelenting action, with Bhatt’s luminous performance at its epicenter.

A Glimpse into the Plot

“Heart of Stone” delves into the shadowy world of espionage, where nothing is as it seems, and allegiances can crumble in an instant. Bhatt’s character, Maya Verma, is a compelling enigma—a resolute intelligence operative navigating a labyrinth of covert operations and intricate deceptions. As the layers of the narrative peel away, Maya finds herself ensnared in a high-stakes game where trust is elusive and danger lurks in every frame.

The Resplendent Alia Bhatt

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Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Maya Verma is nothing short of a revelation. Known for her remarkable versatility, Bhatt imbues Maya with a potent mix of strength and vulnerability. With every expression, every gesture, she breathes life into a character that resonates on both emotional and cerebral levels. Bhatt’s artistry reaches its zenith as Maya grapples with inner demons while outwitting her adversaries—a captivating dance that only an actress of her caliber could orchestrate.

Raj Mehta’s Directorial Panache

Raj Mehta, celebrated for his directorial finesse, orchestrates the tapestry of “Heart of Stone” with masterful precision. Seamlessly weaving heart-thumping action sequences and labyrinthine plot twists, Mehta keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. His meticulous attention to detail manifests in every scene, painting a cinematic canvas that’s as thrilling as it is visually arresting.

Supporting Cast: A Tapestry of Brilliance

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The constellation of talent in “Heart of Stone” goes beyond Alia Bhatt. The ensemble cast, featuring Rajkummar Rao, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Vicky Kaushal, contributes to the film’s tapestry with their impeccable performances. The chemistry between the characters adds depth to the narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance and enriching the overall storytelling.

A Symphony of Cinematic Excellence

“Heart of Stone” is an embodiment of cinematic finesse. The film’s production values, from picturesque locations to evocative cinematography, envelop the viewer in a sensory feast. The musical score, composed with an acute understanding of the narrative’s ebbs and flows, elevates the tension and emotions, further ensnaring the audience in the movie’s spellbinding aura.

A Triumph of Genre Fusion

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Critics and audiences alike have bestowed “Heart of Stone” with effusive praise for its seamless fusion of espionage, action, and drama. The film’s ingenious plot twists, coupled with Alia Bhatt’s extraordinary performance, thrust it into the echelons of standout espionage thrillers. It’s a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the credits roll.

In a year replete with cinematic treasures, “Heart of Stone” stands tall as an embodiment of brilliance. Alia Bhatt’s luminosity shines with unparalleled intensity, solidifying her place as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. This cinematic tour de force is a must-watch, an experience that unearths the magic created when remarkable talent converges to craft an indelible cinematic journey.

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