Scholz Calls On Putin To Pursue 'Diplomatic Solution' In Ukraine

German gov't confirms that Chancellor Olaf Scholz held an hour-long call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier today. Press release states that Scholz, "...urged the Russian President that a diplomatic solution, including a withdrawal of Russian troops, must be reached as soon as possible."

• Statement (in German): https://www.bundeskanzler.de/bk-de/aktuelles/bunde...
• The two, "...spoke about the global food situation, which is particularly tense as a result of the Russian war of aggression. Chancellor and President Putin highlighted the important role of the recently renewed Grains Agreement under the aegis of the United Nations."
• The Kremlin states that, "Attention was drawn to the destructive line of Western states, including Germany, which are pumping the Kyiv regime with weapons and training the Ukrainian military. All this, as well as comprehensive political and financial support for Ukraine, leads to the fact that Kyiv completely rejects the idea of any negotiations."
• Kremlin states Putin, "...called on the German side to reconsider its approaches in the context of the Ukrainian events".
• The call comes after headlines from both the US and Russia suggesting that there is at least the slim prospect of talks taking place between Presidents Putin and Biden.