Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin held calls along with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts Friday — the primary such alternate since Might. Particulars of the decision between Austin and Russian Protection Minister Sergei Shoigu have been carefully guarded. In line with Air Pressure Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, Austin “emphasised the significance of sustaining strains of communication amid the continued battle.” Russia’s Protection Ministry mentioned the 2 officers mentioned “related elements of worldwide safety, together with the scenario in Ukraine.” The final time Shoigu and Austin spoke was in Might.