Austin, Shoigu discuss situation near Ukraine's borders

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a phone call with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on January 6 to discuss risk reduction near Ukraine's borders.

That's according to the readout of their call provided by Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby, Ukrinform reports.

"On January 6, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu. They discussed risk reduction near Ukraine's borders," the press release reads.

Earlier it was reported that the foreign ministers of NATO member states will hold an extraordinary online meeting on January 7 due to Russia's military build-up near Ukraine's borders.

Photo: Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

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