![Pentagon chief, new Russian defense minister talk for the first time](https://assets.kyivindependent.com/content/images/2024/03/GettyImages-2096837949.jpg)
Pentagon chief, new Russian defense minister talk for the first time
"During the call (with Belousov) the secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amidst Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine," Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder said at a briefing on June 25.