Hagel steps up dialogue with European counterparts

In view of tense relations with Russia over developments in Ukraine, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has stepped up dialogue with East European countries.
"Since Russia began its intervention in Crimea and its aggressive actions along the border with Ukraine, Secretary Hagel has stepped up his engagements and consultation with European counterparts," Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said, acknowledging that the conversation between the top American military leader and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu, a day earlier, was terse at times.
Yesterday, Hagel met his counterparts from Estonia and Czech Republic, during which the situation in Ukraine and the Russian actions was at the top of their discussion.

"Hagel strongly supports this policy and continuing efforts to strengthen the alliance and to ensure its readiness to meet any and all contingencies," Kirby said.
The Department of Defence has implemented a number of steps to reinforce its Central and Eastern European allies.
Hagel has also directed his commander on the ground in Europe to continue to update defense plans as the security situation in Europe evolves, Kirby said.

The two meetings came a day after Hagel had a lengthy telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart that lasted about 45 minutes.
"This call was fairly lengthy, 45 minutes in length. It was a good, substantive call. I think both men had an opportunity to present their views and perspectives and to listen to one another, and though it was at times terse, it was never uncivil between the two of them, and both agreed at the end of the call to continue to have those discussions," Kirby said in response to a question.

Hagel, during the call, he said was very clear about a couple of things.
"One, we needed a better understanding of Russian intentions. The (Russian) minister said not once but twice that they have no aggressive designs on Ukraine and had no intention to cross that border. They also talked about the force levels along that border," he said.
"Hagel was very clear that the force levels, as they are, are not doing anything to reduce tension in Ukraine -- in fact, quite the opposite -- because they have been there for so long and in such great number that it's simply making things more tense," the Pentagon spokesperson said.

Both of them agreed that it's time for the tension to decrease and it's time for good, solid diplomatic solutions, he said.