As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues unabated, a new report quotes unnamed US officials as saying there has been an ongoing dialogue between US national security advisers Jake Sullivan and Russian officials.

What happened: Sullivan is in contact with Yuri Ushakova foreign policy adviser to the Russian President Wladimir Putinaccording to the Wall Street Journal.

official tells WSJ that Sullivan’s discussions with Russian government contacts have focused on avoiding a military escalation between the two countries, rather than finding a solution to the ongoing war.

Also read: According to British intelligence, Putin’s forces are likely to fire on retreating Russian soldiers

Although Putin has previously threatened to use nuclear weapons To protect Russia’s territory, he recently denied having any intention of using such devices in the Ukraine war.

Sullivan reportedly mapped out the Biden administration’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. president Joe Biden has repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine in resisting the Russian invasion and has warned Putin against doing so Use of nuclear weapons in conflict. Sullivan, meanwhile, has reportedly urged Ukrainian government officials to publicly state their desire to end the war with Russia.

The White House has declined to comment on the WSJ report, and National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson had no comment other than to note that “people are claiming a lot of things.”