Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation on Wednesday to explore political and diplomatic efforts towards a possible settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Putin and Scholz discussed the results of the third round of negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The leaders also paid special attention to humanitarian issues arising from the current situation, it said, adding that Putin briefed Scholz about measures taken to organize humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians.

The two leaders agreed to continue contacts at various levels.