A telephone conversation took place on Friday between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin - the first in about two years, reported a German government source.
The chancellor's headquarters announced that the discussion, which lasted more than two hours, focused on "bilateral relations, current international issues, as well as issues of security and military policy."
During the conversation, Scholz and Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan. The leaders of the countries also discussed energy issues, particularly focusing on gas supplies to Europe through Ukrainian territory.
According to the chancellor's press service, Olaf Scholz expressed "deep concern" regarding the growing military activity around Ukraine and called for the cessation of hostilities and dialogue.
