In first since Ukraine invasion, Pentagon chief speaks with Russian counterpart
▻https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-defense-chief-urged-immediate-ukraine-ceasefire-call-with-russian-counte
A U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the call, which was requested by Austin, lasted about an hour but did not solve any specific issues or lead to direct changes in what the Russians are doing in #Ukraine.
The official described the tone of the call as “professional.”
Russia’s TASS news agency quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying that the call happened “at the initiative of the American side”.
“Topical issues of international security were discussed, including the situation in Ukraine,” TASS said, quoting the ministry.
The United States and Russia have established a hotline since the invasion - which Moscow calls a “special military operation” - to prevent miscalculation and any widening of the conflict.