Russian defence chief speaks with Pentagon for first time since Russia invaded Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has spoken over the phone with US Defenсe Secretary Lloyd Austin for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russian state news agency TASS reports.

“The sides discussed current issues of international security, including the situation in Ukraine,” the Russian Defence Ministry stated, quoted by the agency.

The ministry added that the talks were held at the initiative of the US.

For its part, the Pentagon stated that Austin had called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The defence chiefs agreed to maintain contact.

Austin and Shoigu last held a phone call on February 18.