HELSINKI, March 11. /TASS/. President of Finland Sauli Niinisto discussed the situation in Ukraine with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Niinisto’s office announced Friday.

"During the conversation that was completely focused on the war in Ukraine, Niinisto pointed the deterioration of the catastrophic situation and deep human suffering in Ukraine, which also significantly affect the public opinion in the West. Niinisto underscored the need for immediate ceasefire and safe evacuation of civilian population via humanitarian corridors," the statement says.

The Finnish leader also touched upon security of nuclear power plants in Ukraine.

According to Niinisto’s office, he informed Putin about the conversation he had with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky earlier, and "once again pointed out Zelensky’s readiness for a direct dialogue with Putin."