German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation on Tuesday to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine based on the earliest possible ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops, a German government spokesman said, according to reports. Reuters.

Olaf Scholz and Vladimir Putin at the famous long table in the KremlinPhoto: EyePress News / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia Images

During the 90-minute phone call, Scholz stressed the need to ensure the safety of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and urged Putin to continue full implementation of the grain export agreement, spokesman Steffen Hebestreit added.

“The Federal Chancellor stressed that any further move by Russia regarding annexation will not go unanswered and will not be recognized under any circumstances,” Gebestreit said in a statement, adding that Scholz and Putin agreed to maintain contact.