Pentagon chief calls on Putin to avoid full-blown "war of choice"

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a news conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, February 19, 2022. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin can still avoid a full-blown war of choice, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday at the start of talks at the Pentagon with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

"Mr. Putin can still avoid a full-blown, tragic war of choice," Austin told Kuleba, adding: "We will continue to work closely with you."