Scholz calls for diplomatic solution to Ukraine war in phone call with Putin

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a diplomatic solution to the Moscow-Kyiv war in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, his spokesman said on Friday.

“The Chancellor condemned the Russian airstrikes against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and stressed Germany's determination to support Ukraine in ensuring its defense capability against Russian aggression,” Steffen Hebestreit said in a statement.

During the one-hour-long phone call, Scholz renewed his call for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, and urged the Russian side to take immediate steps to end the military operations, according to the spokesperson.

“The Chancellor told the Russian President that there must be a diplomatic solution as quickly as possible, including the withdrawal of Russian troops,” Hebestreit said.

The leaders also discussed the global food situation and the importance of the extension of the grain agreement, also known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

They "agreed to remain in contact,” Hebestreit also said.