French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin withdraw troops from Ukraine and release about 2,500 Azovstal defenders taken prisoner, reports UNN.

"President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz again told President Vladimir Putin that any solution to the war must be agreed upon between Moscow and Kiev for respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They renewed their demand for a cease-fire and urged him to go to a direct exchange with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as soon as possible," the Elysee Palace said.

The Elysee Palace also reports that Macron and Scholz have demanded the release of some 2,500 Azovstal defenders taken prisoner by Russian troops.

President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Olaf Scholz also insisted with President Vladimir Putin on the urgency of lifting the Odessa blockade to allow Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea and avoid a global food crisis. They took note of the Russian president's promise to give ships access to the port to export grain without using it for military purposes by Russia if it is previously cleared of mines," the report said.

The press service of the German government reported that the chancellor and the president of France called on Putin for an immediate truce and the conclusion of Russian troops. They confused ways to go to serious direct talks with Zelensky and find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

The German government also informed the conversation about the global food situation, particularly tense as a result of Russia's aggressive war.

President Putin assured that he wants to allow grain exports from Ukraine, especially by sea. President Putin promised that the opening of the mine belt laid to protect Ukrainian ports to allow grain exports by sea would not be used by Russia for offensive actions. The chancellor, President Macron and the president of the way agreed on the central role of the United Nations in reaching and implementing an agreement on this issue," the statement said.

Both agencies said the conversation was initiated by Macron and Scholz.