The US Secretary of Defence speaks for the first time with the Russian counterpart: Stop the war immediately

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine on Friday in a telephone conversation with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, the first since Russian aggression began in Ukraine, the Pentagon said.

Secretary Austin has made several attempts to speak with Russian Defence Minister Shoigu since the beginning of aggression nearly three months ago, but officials said Moscow had not shown interest.

Mr. Austin stressed the importance of maintaining communication channels, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

An American official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the phone call, which was requested by Mr. Austin, lasted about an hour, but did not bring about the resolution of any concrete issues or any direct change in Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The official described the call tone as <x0professional”.

Russian News Agency T The ASS quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying the call was made “with the initiative of the American side”.

“U discussed current international security issues, including the situation in Ukraine,” said TASS, citing the ministry. / VOA/