After rebuffing U.S. requests for months, Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on FridayWASHINGTON -- Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday after months of refusing direct contact with his American counterpart. The call — initiated by Austin —- marked the highest level American contact with a Russian official since the war began in late February. This is the first conversation between Austin and Shoigu since Feb. 18, a week before the war started. The defense official said that the U.S. hopes it will serve as a springboard for future conversation and that it appeared that Austin's request for future communication was received. Direct communications between the U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders is considered crucial in order to avoid any misunderstandings or unwarranted escalation in hostilities.

Source: ABC News May 14, 2022 06:43 UTC