From Russia With 'Deconfliction'

Defense Secretary Ash Carter had a "constructive conversation" this morning with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu about Russian military activity in Syria and efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook.

Military relations between the United States and Russia were officially suspended after Russia annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine.

"The secretary and the minister talked about areas where the United States and Russia's perspectives overlap and areas of divergence," Cook stated. "They agreed to further discuss mechanisms for deconfliction in Syria and the counter-ISIL campaign. The secretary emphasized the importance of pursuing such consultations in parallel with diplomatic talks that would ensure a political transition in Syria. He noted that defeating ISIL and ensuring a political transition are objectives that need to be pursued at the same time. Both the secretary and the minister agreed to continue their dialogue."

Cook had said earlier this week that Carter had yet to discuss Russian military activities in Syria with his Russian counterpart because of the suspension of the U.S.-Russia military relationship.