Russian, US military leaders discuss situation in Ukraine

MOSCOW

Russia’s chief of the General Staff discussed the situation in Ukraine with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley in a telephone call Thursday.

The discussion was held at the initiative of the American side, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"Issues of mutual interest were discussed, including the situation in Ukraine," it added.

Russia started what it calls "a special military operation,” on Feb. 24, aiming to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine.

For Western countries, however, it is a war, and they have imposed severe sanctions in response.

The military action has left thousands dead and wounded, and forced more than 5.7 million people to flee Ukraine.