US Defense Secretary calls for immediate ceasefire. Lloyd Austin speaks with Russian counterpart for the first time.
Where: Ukraine, Russia
The Facts
On Friday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine when he spoke to his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesman, John Kirby, stated that Austin stressed the importance of maintaining lines of communication.
The call marked the highest level of American contact with a Russian official since the war began in late February.
Over the past several months, Pentagon officials have repeatedly stated that Russian leaders declined to take calls from Austin and Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The US and Russia have also set up a deconfliction line that can be used by the militaries in the event of any emergency or perceived threat to NATO allies around Ukraine.
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