Naval officials will discuss how the military can better manage its cyberthreats, including whether to buy the Russian submarine cliparts and ballistic missiles that were reportedly deployed to Syria, U.S. officials said.
The discussions came as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Pentagon this week, officials said Monday.
Mattis and Shoiguu will meet for a second time later in the week to discuss cyberthreat issues and “the broader threat landscape,” a defense official said.
Mattis and Shoigsu will discuss Russia’s actions in Syria, officials added.
Mattis will also meet with the president of the United States on Tuesday, officials say.
Trump has ordered the U.N. Security Council to consider a resolution calling for sanctions on Russia for its military campaign in Syria.
Mattis, along with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, are expected to discuss the situation during the meeting.
Mattos spokesman told reporters Monday that the administration is not planning to announce the meetings with Shoiguyu and Mattis but instead has asked for more information from the U,N.
General Assembly and the Russian government.