Putin in phone talk with Finnish president explains goals of military operation in Ukraine, briefs him on talks with Ukraine - Kremlin

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto over the phone, the Kremlin press service said.

"Putin explained in detail the reasons for Russia's special military operation to protect Donbas, its goals and objectives, and also spoke of the progress of ongoing negotiations with Ukrainian representatives," the statement said.

As reported, the two presidents "focused on humanitarian issues and measures taken to ensure the safety of civilians, and the organization of humanitarian passages for the evacuation of civilians from the combat zone."

"The parties agreed to keep in touch on Ukrainian issues and the Russian-Finnish agenda," the press service added.