Putin and Scholz speak over phone - Kremlin

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Kremlin press service said on Wednesday.

"In the context of the development of the situation around the special military operation to defend Donbas, the parties discussed options of political and diplomatic efforts, including the results of the third round of the talks between the Russian delegation and representatives of the Kyiv authorities," the press service said.

They also gave special attention to the humanitarian aspects of the situation in Ukraine and in the Donbas republics.

"The president of Russia briefed [the German chancellor] on measures to organize humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians from areas of armed clashes and attempts undertaken by militants from nationalist formations to hinder the safe evacuation of people," it said.

The sides agreed to continue contacts at various levels.