Russia announced it still maintains a direct crisis hotline with the United States and NATO, as nuclear risks rise during the most intense standoff between Moscow and the West since the Cold War.
Set up in 1963
The original "red phone" hotline between Moscow and Washington was set up in 1963 to prevent miscommunication after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although initially designed for direct calls between leaders, the system has since been upgraded to a secure computerized network.
Over the years, this communication channel has been used during major global crises, such as the Six-Day War in 1967, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, and the September 11 attacks in 2001.
In addition to this high-level line, there are also direct communication links between the Pentagon and the Russian Ministry of Defense. These lines, established during the Cold War, aim to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict, according to Ziare.
On July 12, Russia’s defense minister contacted his U.S. counterpart to discuss concerns over alleged Ukrainian military plans, which Russia believed were backed by the United States.
A Direct Line with Nato
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, new contact methods have been established between the U.S. and Russian military to avoid unintended escalations. Russia also maintains a direct line with NATO, designed to manage crisis situations and avoid misunderstandings.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko expressed concerns about NATO's increasing focus on nuclear weapons. In response, Russia has updated its nuclear doctrine to make clear it will use all necessary means to protect its security.
President Vladimir Putin warned that if Ukraine uses Western missiles to strike Russian territory, NATO countries would be directly involved in the conflict. With the ongoing war, Russian officials believe the situation is entering its most dangerous phase.
