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The United States and Russia have agreed to resume top-level military-to-military communications after nearly five years of silence.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Back in late 2021, the United States suspended high-level military-to-military communications with Russia as tensions escalated over Russia’s troop buildup near Ukraine’s borders. The move came just months before Putin launched his full-scale invasion in February 2022. The suspension ended all military-to-military communications that were meant to help manage risk and avoid miscalculation between the two nuclear powers.

What’s going on now: In a notable announcement, US European Command (EUCOM) confirmed that the United States and Russia will restart formal high-level military-to-military dialogue. The agreement was reached during meetings in Abu Dhabi involving US and Russian military officials. According to EUCOM, the renewed dialogue is aimed at promoting transparency, reducing the risk of escalation, and maintaining global stability, especially as the war in Ukraine drags into its fourth year. This reengagement will include a structured meeting framework and consistent lines of contact similar to mechanisms the US recently reestablished with China.

While the White House has not released a detailed breakdown of the renewed military dialogue, officials reiterated that preventing miscalculation between nuclear powers is a top priority. In addition, Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, the commander of EUCOM and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is now allowed to maintain direct contact with his Russian counterparts, including Gen. Valery Gerasimov.

The Kremlin has offered no official comment on the reopening of military communications. Russian state media has portrayed the talks as a potential win for strategic stability, while also expressing skepticism over US intentions and lingering hostility toward NATO involvement in Eastern Europe.

The reaction from NATO and the EU has been mixed. One senior NATO diplomat, speaking anonymously to Politico, warned: “This kind of bilateral thaw, outside of a NATO framework, risks sidelining allies who’ve borne the brunt of Russia’s aggression.” Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “We welcome any step that contributes to de-escalation, but real stability will only come when Russia withdraws from occupied Ukrainian territory.”