WASHINGTON

The US and Russia agreed on Thursday to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue, US European Command (EUCOM) said.

The agreement follows a week of what officials described as "productive and constructive" progress toward President Donald Trump’s goal of peace in Ukraine, led by Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, EUCOM said in a statement.

The decision was reached during meetings held in the United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi involving Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of US European Command, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials.

This channel of communication was suspended in the fall of 2021, shortly before the onset of the Ukraine war.

"Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation.

"This channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace," it said.

In addition to his role as commander of US European Command, Gen. Grynkewich serves as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and holds existing authorities to maintain military-to-military dialogue with Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to avoid miscalculation and to provide a means for avoiding unintended escalation by either side.