Top generals of Russia, NATO hold 1st talks since 2014

MOSCOW

The top generals of Russia and NATO held their "first" high-level military talks since the alliance froze relations with the country in 2014, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The ministry said in a statement Friday that Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov and NATO Military Committee Chairman Gen. Petr Pavel spoke by phone of prospects for restoring military interaction.

They reportedly also exchanged views on reducing tensions and stabilizing the situation in Europe.

Russia expressed its concern over NATO's increased military activity near the country's border, the ministry added.

NATO suspended ties with Russia in 2014 following Moscow's annexation of Crimea after an illegal independence vote.

The annexation came after an illegal independence vote on the heels of violent anti-government protests in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, that led to the overthrow of then President Victor Yanukovich.

Reporting by Elena Teslova; Writing by Diyar Guldogan

MOSCOW

The top generals of Russia and NATO held their "first" high-level military talks since the alliance froze relations with the country in 2014, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

They reportedly also exchanged views on reducing tensions and stabilizing the situation in Europe.

Russia expressed its concern over NATO's increased military activity near the country's border, the ministry added.

NATO suspended ties with Russia in 2014 following Moscow's annexation of Crimea after an illegal independence vote.

The annexation came after an illegal independence vote on the heels of violent anti-government protests in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, that led to the overthrow of then President Victor Yanukovich.

Reporting by Elena Teslova; Writing by Diyar Guldogan