US, Russian military chiefs resume contact to discuss drone collision

WASHINGTON Associated Press

DEFENCE Secretary

Lloyd Austin spoke to his Russian counterpart on Wednesday about the destruction of a US drone over the Black Sea after an encounter with Russian fighter jets, which brought the two countries closest to direct conflict since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. It was the first call between Austin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu since October. And Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff, had a similar call with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces.

“We take any potential for escalation very seriously. And that’s why I believe it’s important to keep the lines