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Austin and Shoigu talk for first time since invasion
Summary
A look back at diplomatic and sporting developments reported around 14 May 2022, as the war in Ukraine continued.
What did the first direct contact between US and Russian defence chiefs since the invasion signal? By 14 May 2022, the question was current, after reports a day earlier that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had held talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. It was the first meeting between the two since the start of the invasion.
The reports dated 13 May 2022 described the exchange as part of the wider governmental and intergovernmental reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and specifically of Russia–United States relations. No further details of the talks were given in those reports.
Sport and the war
A separate decision, reported on 12 May 2022, concerned tennis. Players from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete at the upcoming French Open as neutral athletes. The condition was that any player who spoke in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin would face sanctions.
Together, the two developments showed how the invasion continued to shape contacts between Russia and the West, in both defence diplomacy and international sport.
