Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Rossiya 1 TV channel that the signal sent by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov during a conversation with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin had reached its addressees.
“I can say that, according to some indications, the signal that was sent from the Russian side to Washington, I understand, not only to Washington, but also to some other capitals controlled by Washington, has reached,” TASS quoted Ryabkov as saying.
He also added that the signal “had an effect” and a new round of escalation was avoided.
Earlier, Belousov warned Austin about the possibility of unmanageable escalation due to the actions of Kiev and Washington.
The New York Times quoted three sources as saying that Belousov had called Austin and told him about a covert operation that Ukraine was preparing against Russia. The newspaper’s interlocutors said that the Americans were surprised by such a statement and ordered the Ukrainians to abandon their plans.
