German chancellor’s office say, the leaders of France and Germany have encouraged Russia’s Vladimir Putin to hold direct and serious negotiations with Ukraine’s president, The chancellor’s office noted that, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz spoke to Mr Putin by phone for 80 minutes.
The the leaders insisted on an immediate ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian troops.
According to the Kremlin, Russia’s leader said Moscow was open to resuming dialogue with Kyiv.
It did not mention the possibility of direct talks between Mr Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky.