U.S., Russian defense chiefs hold first phone conversation since start of Ukraine conflict

STORY: U.S., Russian defense chiefs hold first phone conversation since start of Ukraine conflict DATELINE: May 14, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:27 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (English): JOHN KIRBY, Pentagon Press Secretary 2. various of the press conference STORYLINE: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu spoke over the phone on Friday, marking the first call between the two since Russia launched the special military operation in Ukraine. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a brief statement following the call that Austin "urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine." SOUNDBITE (English): JOHN KIRBY, Pentagon Press Secretary "Secretary Austin held a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Minister of Defense Sergei Shoygu. This is the first conversation they've had since February 18, and the Secretary urged an end to the conflict in Ukraine and he emphasized the importance of maintaining communication." U.S. Chairman of the Joi