"On July 12, 2024, a phone conversation was held between Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the initiative of the Russian side," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the sides discussed the issues of preventing security threats and decreasing the risks of possible escalation.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed during a press briefing that officials had a phone call.
"During the call, the Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine," Singh said.
The last time the two ministers spoke was on June 25.