The Defence Minister of Russia, Sergei Shoigu held phone calls on Sunday with his French and Turkish counterparts, during which they held talks on Ukraine, the defence ministry of Russia said.
The ministry added that, “The situation in Kyiv, which has a steady tendency towards further, uncontrolled escalation, was the topic discussed during talks.”
Later on Sunday, the ministry said Shoigu held a telephonic conversation with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar.
During both the calls, Shoigu conveyed “concerns about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a ‘dirty bomb.”
The statements did not provide further details.
On Friday, Shoigu held a rare phone call with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Both sides confirmed they discussed Ukraine.
It was only the 2nd telephonic call between the ministers since Moscow sent troops to Ukraine on February 24. Back in May, Austin had urged Moscow to implement an “immediate ceasefire”.