Hagel Speaks with Russian Defense Minister As Ukraine Tensions Rise
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US Senate(WASHINGTON) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel spoke by phone with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday morning regarding the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.
Hagel had said earlier this week that he wanted to speak with Shoigu to discuss Ukraine.
Hagel and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, attended a National Security Council Principals Meeting at the White House on Saturday. President Obama was not present at the meeting, but was briefed by National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
A White House official told ABC News that Obama spoke with Putin by phone on Saturday.
A U.S. official says that there are no new military movements involving Russian troops.
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