Russian president, king of Bahrain speak over phone

MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine on Tuesday with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

"Vladimir Putin spoke about the reasons and objectives of the special military operation to protect Donbass, about the measures taken to protect the civilian population, as well as about the work carried out by the Russian side in negotiations with Ukrainian representatives," it said.

The two leaders also discussed Russia-Bahrain trade and political cooperation and fighting the coronavirus pandemic, it added.

They also agreed to further develop "friendly ties" between Russia and Bahrain.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which started Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 596 civilians have been killed and 1,067 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to the UN, while noting that conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the true number.

About 3 million people have fled to neighboring countries, said the UN refugee agency.