On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kremlin press service reported.

"Vladimir Putin informed about the progress of the special military operation to protect Donbass, outlined the principal approaches and assessments in this context, explained in detail the main objectives and tasks set. It was stressed that the special operation was proceeding according to plan and in accordance with the schedule.

At the same time, the Russian armed forces are doing all they can to preserve the lives and safety of civilians, and point-by-point strikes are carried out exclusively against military infrastructure. Against this background, the actions of nationalist and neo-Nazi formations, which continue intensive shelling of Donbas and use civilians, including foreigners, as "human shields" in Ukrainian towns and villages, are particularly cruel and cynical.

Russia confirmed its readiness to engage in dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities and foreign partners with a view to resolving the conflict. At the same time, attention was drawn to the futility of any attempts to drag out the negotiation process, which is being used by the Ukrainian security forces to regroup their forces and resources. In this connection, it was stressed that the suspension of the special operation would only be possible if the Ukrainian Government ceased hostilities and complied with Russia's well-known demands.

They expressed the hope that during the planned next round of negotiations Ukraine's representatives would show a more constructive approach, taking full account of the emerging realities.

The presidents of Russia and Turkey noted the importance of maintaining contacts between the diplomatic and military departments of the two countries. Vladimir Putin confirmed the readiness of the Russian side to provide all necessary assistance for the safe evacuation of Turkish citizens from the areas of hostilities.

The two sides stressed the need to continue mutually beneficial Russian-Turkish trade and economic cooperation.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the fierce campaign of discrimination against Russian culture and its figures which is gaining momentum in a number of Western countries. It has been agreed to maintain close contacts at various levels," the Kremlin said in a statement.

According to Turkey's Daily Sabbath, Erdoğan told the Russian leader that Turkey was ready to contribute to a peaceful solution to the Ukraine problem as soon as possible.

"Stressing that an urgent general ceasefire would not only alleviate the humanitarian problems in the region, but also provide an opportunity to find a political solution, Erdogan repeated his call to "pave the way for peace together."

President Erdoğan stressed the importance of taking urgent steps to secure a ceasefire, open humanitarian corridors and sign a peace agreement.

Noting that he was in constant contact with the Ukrainian side and other countries, Erdoğan said he would continue his efforts to hold comprehensive talks and achieve results," Turkish media reported.