Putin, Nehammer discuss Ukraine over phone

During a 45-minute phone discussion with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday gave assurances to continue supplying natural gas to Austria, reported Xinhua, quoting Austrian news agency APA.

Putin said during the phone call that Russia was ready to allow Ukrainian grain exports via seaports, as well as to discuss a prisoner swap with Ukraine more closely, Nehammer was quoted as saying.

Putin also assured that the International Red Cross would be given access to the prisoners of war, Nehammer said.

He emphasized that Austria was pursuing an "active policy of neutrality."