An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.
Release
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu

Oct. 23, 2022

Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder:

“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone Oct. 23 with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu, who requested a follow up call. Secretary Austin rejected any pretext for Russian escalation and reaffirmed the value of continued communication amid Russia’s unlawful and unjustified war against Ukraine.”  
 

Austin Defense Secretary ukraine response