Russian and U.S. top brass discuss regional security issues

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley and Chief of the Russian General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov discussed "regional security-related issues of concern" in a phone conversation on December 22, the press service of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported.

"The military leaders discussed regional security-related issues of concern. The phone call is a continuation of communication between both leaders to ensure risk reduction and operational de-confliction," the statement noted.

"In accordance with past practice, both have agreed to keep the specific details of their conversation private," the statement specified.

The Russian Defense Ministry also announced that Gerasimov discussed issues of international security with Milley. According to the Ministry, "the two military commanders discussed ongoing issues of international security" during their phone call.

The previous phone conversation between Milley and Gerasimov was held on November 23.