The United States and Russia have established a direct communication link, known as the Deconflict Line, to avoid any misunderstandings between the two militaries as the United States moves forces to Europe’s eastern flank in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The United States maintains a number of channels for discussing critical security issues with Russians during unforeseen or emergencies,” a senior defense official said Thursday. “The Ministry of Defense recently established a line of deconflict with the Russian Ministry of Defense in March 1 to prevent miscalculations, military incidents and escalation,” the official said.
The Pentagon said earlier this week that it was seeking to establish such a line, but Russia did not initially respond to the request. The European allies have also said they are seeking to establish such a line.
The European command of the United States, which is responsible for US military operations in the region, will be responsible for the American side of the line, officials said.
The United States has a similar form of communication for military operations in Syria, including air operations. Russia supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while the United States is operating in the east of the country to fight Islamic State.