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.

Olaf Scholz, Germany's chancellor, speaks at the Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, April 6, 2022. (Photo: CFP)

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.