According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the phone call between the two ministers took place on Friday, Ukrinform reports.
"On February 18, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu. Secretary Austin called for deescalation, the return of Russian forces surrounding Ukraine to their home bases, and a diplomatic resolution," the Pentagon said in a press release.
As was reported earlier, Russia continues to mass more than 150,000 troops around Ukraine's borders. Meanwhile, the United States and NATO are continuing to strengthen Ukraine's and Allies' defenses on the eastern flank in response to threats from Russia. Austin is on a visit to Poland on Friday, February 18. In a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, the Pentagon chief said that the entire North Atlantic Alliance supports Ukraine, as well as the country's right to follow its chosen path.
