Washington. January 29. INTERFAX - US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed issues related to the situation around Ukraine during telephone conversations with his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht and French Florence Parly, according to press releases distributed by the Pentagon.
During the conversation with Lamrecht, the parties discussed "concerns about the ongoing unprovoked build-up of Russia's military power near and in Ukraine."
They "stressed strong support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," and also discussed "recent diplomatic contacts with Russia."
The ministers said that Russia must "turn off the dangerous path" and warned that it "will face serious consequences in the event of a further invasion of Ukraine."
Austin and the European ministers stressed the importance of preserving NATO unity and deterrence on the eastern flank of the alliance "in the face of potential Russian aggression," the statement said.
