The defence ministers of Russia and the United States spoke by phone today according to reports.
According to the Russian state-owned news agency RIA, Russia’s Sergei Shoigu spoke with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin.
The report said they “discussed topical issues of international security, including the situation in Ukraine”.
“Today’s talks between Shoigu and the head of the Pentagon are the second since the start of the special operation in Ukraine,” the report said.
“The last ones were in May, the topic of discussion then was the same – topical issues of international security, including the situation in Ukraine.”
Russia’s defence ministry said in a post on Telegram that the call did take place.
The Pentagon said Mr Austin had “emphasised the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the war in Ukraine“.