US and Russian defense chiefs speak by phone for the first time since May

The US and Russian defense chiefs spoke by phone Friday for the first time since May, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed « international security issues, including the situation in Ukraine », according to a reading posted by the Russian Defense Ministry on Telegram on Friday morning.

During the call, Austin « underscored the importance of maintaining the lines of communication amid the ongoing war against Ukraine, » Pentagon spokesman Brig. General Pat Ryder.