German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he engaged in a lengthy telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which they spoke about the latest situation in Ukraine.

Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said Scholz used the 90-minute call to emphasize the need to ensure the safety of the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and appealed to Putin to continue to fully implement the United Nations-backed grain agreement.

Putin also told Scholz that Russia provides the Red Cross committee access to the Ukrainian prisoners and highlighted Russia's willingness to remain a reliable energy supplier, according to a statement issued by the Kremlin.

(With input from Reuters)