U.S. and Russian Defense Ministers Speak by Phone

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke by phone today. The Russian readout reported that “They discussed international security problems, notably the situation in Ukraine.” The Pentagon readout was equally terse. “Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the ongoing war against Ukraine,” it said. It was the first time the two had spoken since May.