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British, Russian defense ministers discuss situation in Ukraine

The Russian defense ministry said earlier in the day that Shoigu had shared Russia’s concerns over Ukraine’s possible provocations with the use of a dirty bomb with Wallace

LONDON, October 23. /TASS/. British defense minister Ben Wallace spoke over the phone with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu to discuss the situation in Ukraine, the UK defense ministry said on Sunday.

"At the request of the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Secretary of State for Defence spoke with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoigu, this afternoon. Minister Shoigu alleged that Ukraine was planning actions facilitated by Western countries, including the UK, to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The Defence Secretary [Wallace] refuted these claims and cautioned that such allegations should not be used as a pretext for greater escalation," the ministry said. "The Defence Secretary also reiterated UK and wider international support for Ukraine and desire to de-escalate this conflict. It is for Ukraine and Russia to seek resolution to the war and the UK stands ready to assist."

According to the ministry, "both Ministers were professional and respectful on the call."

The Russian defense ministry said earlier in the day that Shoigu had shared Russia’s concerns over Ukraine’s possible provocations with the use of a dirty bomb with Wallace.

Apart from that, the Russian defense minister discussed the situation in Ukraine with his French, Turkish, and US counterpart.