Top US general holds ‘productive’ talks with Russian officer

By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press

HELSINKI, Finland (AP) — The top U.S. military officer has finished talks Wednesday in Finland with his Russian counterpart. The meeting between Gen. Mark Milley and Gen Valery Gerasimov lasted about six hours and came as the United States struggles to secure basing rights and other counterterrorism support in countries bordering Afghanistan. That’s an effort Moscow has opposed. Both sides agreed not to disclose details of the talks, as has been the practice in previous meetings and calls. Afterward, Milley said:  “It was a productive meeting. When military leaders of great powers communicate, the world is a safer place.” The session took place at a crucial time after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.