The US and Russian defense ministers discussed the war in Ukraine

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin spoke by phone to discuss the situation in Ukraine, AFP reported.
"The ministers exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine at the initiative of the American side," the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"Andrei Belousov pointed out the danger of further aggravation of the situation in connection with the continued supplies of American weapons to the armed forces of Ukraine. Other issues were also discussed," the defense department added.
The Pentagon also reported on the phone call, saying Austin "stressed the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine."
The statement emphasized that this was Austin's first conversation with Belousov, who was appointed to the post in May. | BGNES