At the initiative of Kiev, Presidents of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had phone talks, as reported the official website of the Kremlin.

The heads of states discussed the settlement of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine.

The leader of Russia stated that it is first necessary to rule out Ukrainian soldiers’ bombardment of settlements for de-escalation.

Putin and Zelenskyy also agreed to intensify efforts for the return of arrestees.