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.
The two officials last spoke on Feb. 18, the Department of Defense said.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.