Russian Defense Minister Shoygu and US Defense Secretary Esper held telephone negotiations
The Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, reports RIA Novosti news agency, citing Russian Defense Ministry.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the negotiations were initiated by the American side. According to the Interfax news agency, the Russian Defense Ministry did not specify any details about the talks.
The Pentagon also confirmed that Esper had a telephone conversation with Shoygu but did report any additional details.
Russian-American relations remain strained due to disagreements on various issues, including the armed conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, as well as accusations of Russian interference in the American elections.
The Pentagon has outlined opposition to Russia and China as a critical element of the National Defense Strategy. Before that, the priority was the fight against Islamists.