Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke Friday with Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu in the leaders' first conversation since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Driving the news: Austin "urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication," Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement.
- Austin expressed interest in keeping lines of communication open with the Russian leader, per a senior U.S. defense official, adding that the "message was received on keeping the lines open."
- The approximately hourlong phone call was requested by the U.S. side, per the senior official.
- The two officials last spoke on Feb. 18, the Department of Defense said.
