US and Russia Resume High-Level Military Dialogue After Four-Year Hiatus Amid Ukraine War Efforts

Kathmandu. In an effort to end the Ukraine war, the United States and Russia have agreed to re-establish high-level military dialogue after more than four years. This is seen as another sign of improving relations between the two countries following the return of US President Donald Trump to office.

High-level military communication between Moscow and Washington ceased in late 2021 due to rising tensions ahead of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump, campaigning for a second term, had promised to end the war immediately. Some of his peace proposals, which included the idea that Ukraine should cede some territory to Russia, have drawn criticism for appearing favorable to the Kremlin.

The reinstated military communication channel will ensure regular military-to-military contact as both sides work towards a lasting peace, according to the US European Command. This agreement was reached following a meeting between senior US and Russian military officials in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

US General Christopher G. Cavazos, who serves as the commander of both US and NATO forces in Europe, was present in Abu Dhabi. Discussions among US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials regarding ending the war entered their second day there.

Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's power grid. According to Ukraine, this is intended to weaken civilian morale. Fighting continues along the nearly 1,000-kilometer-long eastern and southern fronts.

The resumption of the military hotline is viewed as an attempt to de-escalate tensions that have risen since the war began and to prevent accidental clashes between US and Russian forces. Such a risk was highlighted by an incident in March 2023 involving a US MQ-9 drone and a Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea. Russia denied downing the drone, claiming it was merely a response to a violation of a no-fly zone.

NATO member states have expressed concern over increasing Russian activity in allied airspace. NATO aircraft were scrambled last September after Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Subsequently, Russian fighter jets were also removed from Estonian airspace.

Prisoner exchanges have also taken place following talks between Ukraine and Russia. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 157 Russian soldiers and three civilians were returned. Ukrainian officials reported that 150 soldiers and seven civilians returned from Russian captivity. The released Russian soldiers are currently receiving medical assistance in Belarus.

Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets stated that many of the returning soldiers are in a difficult psychological state, and some appear severely malnourished.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that approximately 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died since the Russian invasion. He added that many more are still considered missing. He reiterated the need for security guarantees from the US and Europe to prevent any potential future Russian aggression.

According to human rights groups, Ukrainian civilian casualties increased by 31 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. United Nations data indicates that nearly 15,000 civilians have been killed and over 40,000 injured since the war began.

In other developments, Ukraine claimed that the Russian military is unable to use Starlink internet terminals on the front lines. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, during a visit to Kyiv, announced agreements on joint ammunition production and the expansion of energy cooperation.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 183 drones and two ballistic missiles overnight. Russia, however, claimed that its air defenses shot down 95 Ukrainian drones in various regions.